© copyright, International Publication Services, 1975

C46-21T

TEACHING SMALL CHILDREN

"Teaching Small Children" is a quarterly publication of simplified helps for teachers of preschool children.

Weeks 53-65

STEPS TO FOLLOW IN PREPARING TO TEACH

Step 1: Prepare yourself through prayer.

Step 2: Read the complete lesson.

Step 3: Study the lesson emphasis. Think how you can achieve this aim.

Step 4: Study the Bible lesson for teachers.

Step 5: Learn to tell the children's story.

Step 6: Memorize the Bible verse.

Step 7: Learn to sing the suggested songs.

Step 8: Study the plan for presenting the lesson.

Step 9: Arrive early on Sunday to prepare the place.

STEPS TO FOLLOW IN YOUR CLASS EACH SUNDAY

Step 1: Arrive early; prepare the meeting place.

Step 2: As the children arrive:

Welcome each one.

Receive the offering.

Mark the record book. Write the name of each child in an exercise book.

Step 3: Teaching the lesson:

Each week you will use songs, prayer time, Bible verses, an activity to introduce the story and a Bible story to teach. The order may vary. Follow the suggested plan for each week.

Step 4: As the children leave:

Give a take-home leaflet to each child.

CONTENTS

Steps to Follow in Preparing to Teach

Steps to Follow in Your Class Each Sunday

Unit 1: PEOPLE AT CHURCH ARE MY FRIENDS

Week 53 Paul's Church Friends

Week 54 Samuel and Eli

Week 55 Building the Tent Church

Week 56 An Offering for Friends

Unit 2: WE LEARN ABOUT GOD'S LOVE

Week 57 Philip Tells of God's Love

Week 58 Jacob's Dream

Week 59 David and Jonathan

Week 60 Dorcas, a Kind Helper

Week 61 Baby Moses' Family

Unit 3: WE LEARN TO SHOW GOD'S LOVE

Week 62 The Woman at the Well

Week 63 The Good Samaritan

Week 64 Isaac and the Wells

Week 65 A Woman Shares Her Food

Songs to Use

UNIT 1: PEOPLE AT CHURCH ARE MY FRIENDS Lessons: 53, 54, 55, 56

AIM FOR UNIT:

To guide each child in discovering that God planned for him to have friends and that people at church are his friends.

To help each child become aware that he can both receive and give love.

Most children think of church as a building. Later they will learn the difference between the building and the members.

It is important that children know that their teacher and pastor know and love them.

These lessons will help the child learn that he can work and share together with everyone at church.

Week 53

PAUL'S CHURCH FRIENDS

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME Lesson Emphasis: We have friends at church. Bible Verse to Learn: "'You are my friends'" (John 15:14). Songs: "Friends"

"Happy Sunday Morning"

"I Like to Go to Church" Picture to Use: No. 53 Bible Lesson for the Teacher to Study at Home: Acts 18:1-3 and Romans 16:3-4

Paul traveled to many places. He preached in many towns. On one trip Paul became friends with Aquila and his wife, Priscilla. They lived in the city of Corinth.

Paul was a preacher; he was also a tentmaker. Aquila and Priscilla were tentmakers, too. Paul lived in their home and they worked together making tents.

Each week Paul went to the synagogue to worship. He preached the gospel of Christ there. Aquila and Priscilla went to worship with him. They were believers in Jesus. They helped Paul tell others about Jesus.

When Paul left Corinth, he went to Ephesus. His friends went with him. The new church met in their home. They were good friends to Paul and helped tell others about Jesus.

When you tell the children the story of Paul and his church friends, help them to learn that adults in the church are their friends.

PRESENTING THE LESSON Welcome each child by name. You may have new children in your class. Help them to feel welcome. Song: "I Like to Go to Church" Offering: Ask one child to hold the basket. The other children can march by and put in their offerings. Prayer: Thank God for the gifts. Records: Write each name in an exercise book. Call each name and mark those present. Game: Have the children sit in a circle with the teacher in the middle. Throw a feather up in the air. Say, "This little feather is falling down. Come, Mary , catch it before it touches the ground."

The child may then throw the feather up and call the name of a friend. Do this until six or eight children have been called. Conversation: Say, "We have had a good time with our friends. I am glad my friends came to church today." Song: "Friends" Bible Story: Open your Bible to Acts 18 and say, "The Bible tells us about some good friends." Tell the story:

PAUL'S CHURCH FRIENDS

Paul wanted to tell people about Jesus. He left his home in Athens. He went to the town of Corinth. Paul began to talk to the people. He told them that God loved them. Some of the people listened to him.

He met a man and woman. They listened to the words Paul spoke. They liked Paul. The man's name was Aquila. His wife's name was Priscilla. They loved Jesus. They wanted to please God. They were glad Paul had come to their town.

Paul did not have a house in Corinth. He was looking for a place to stay. He went to visit his new friends. They talked about many things. Aquila said, "Paul, will you come and live with us? We have a room and we would like to have you live with us."

Paul smiled at his new friends. He was very happy. He said, "You are kind to me. I will be very happy to live in your home."

Paul moved into their house. He watched Aquila and Priscilla as they worked. They made tents to sell. They worked very hard. Carefully they cut the cloth with sharp scissors. Then they sewed the tent.

"May I help you?" Paul asked. I know how to make tents. My father was also a tentmaker."

Aquila and Priscilla were glad to have a helper. Paul was a good tentmaker. They made more tents to sell when Paul helped them.

Paul stayed in Corinth for a while. He told many people about Jesus. He was thankful for his friends.

Paul went to the church and told people about Jesus. Aquila and Priscilla went to the church. They always talked to people about Jesus.

Paul went to another city to tell others about Jesus. Aquila and Priscilla went with him. They helped Paul in many ways. Bible

Verse: Open your Bible to John 15:14. Read, "You are my friends." Have the children stand and make a circle holding hands. Have all say the verse together.

Song: "Happy Sunday Morning"

Picture: Show picture No. 53 to the children. Thank God for your friends at church.

Week 54

SAMUEL AND ELI

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME

Lesson Emphasis: Sunday School teachers are friends.

Bible Verse to Learn: "'Love the Lord your God'" (Mark 12:30).

Songs:"The Happy Way"

"Friends"

"I Can Grow"

Picture to Use: No. 54

Bible Lesson for the Teacher to Study at Home: 1 Samuel 1:24-28;

2:11, 18; 3:1-10, 19.

Eli was the pastor or priest of the tabernacle church at Shiloh. He helped the people who came to worship.

Hannah came to the church to pray for a son. She promised God that she would give the child to him. When the child was old enough, Hannah kept her promise.

Hannah brought her small son to Eli. The old pastor was to train the child in the work of the church.

Samuel lived with Eli. He helped in the church; he opened the doors. He cleaned the lamps. He helped Eli who was now growing old and was almost blind.

Eli taught the child about God. He taught him ways to serve and please God.

The purpose of this lesson is to teach the children that their teachers and pastor love them. Also, we want to teach children ways to serve God.

PRESENTING THE LESSON Welcome: As each child comes, greet him by name. Say, "I am glad my friend (name each child) has come to Sunday School." Make a circle and sing, "I'm Glad Today".

Offering: Have the children put their offering in the basket as they come into the meeting place. Records: As you call each name, have the child to stand.

Song: "The Happy Way" Game: Have the children stand in pairs. Talk about friends. Let each child tell the name of the friend next to him.

Song: "Friends" Bible Story: Say, "Our Bible story is about a teacher who helped a little boy learn about God". Open your Bible to 1 Samuel and tell the story.

SAMUEL AND ELI

Samuel liked to go to church. He liked Preacher Eli.

Eli was growing old. He needed someone to be his helper. Samuel went to stay with Eli and be his helper. Every night Samuel would close the doors of the church. Every morning he would open the doors. Then the people could come to pray.

Samuel also took care of the lamps. He kept a light burning in them. Perhaps he swept the floor and dusted the benches.

Samuel did what Eli asked him to do. When Eli read from the Bible scroll, Samuel listened. He listened when Eli told him about God.

One night Samuel was ready for bed. He heard someone call, "Samuel, Samuel."

Samuel went quickly to Eli's room. "Here I am," he said to Eli.

Eli said, "I did not call you, Samuel. You may go back to bed."

Samuel lay down again. He heard someone say, "Samuel, Samuel."

Samuel went to see what Eli wanted. Eli said, "I did not call you Samuel. Go back to bed."

Once more Samuel went back to bed. Once more he heard the voice. Samuel hurried to Eli's room.

Eli now knew it was God calling Samuel. He said, "Lie down, Samuel. When you hear the voice again say, 'Speak, God, I am listening."'

Samuel did what Eli told him to do. When he heard the voice again, he said, "Speak, God, I am listening."

God told Samuel that he had a special job for him to do. God wanted Samuel to be a preacher. He wanted him to teach others as Eli had done.

Every day Samuel worked hard in the church. Every day he learned from his teacher, Eli. Prayer: Thank God for teachers at church. Song: Tell the children, "Samuel came to live at the church when he was very small. He grew to be a big boy. He learned from his teacher, Eli.

Now sing, "I Can Grow."

Bible Verse: Say, "One of the things Samuel learned was to love God." Open your Bible to Mark 12:30 and read, "Love the Lord your God."

Picture: Show picture No. 54 to the children. Talk with them about Samuel, Hannah and Eli. They may want to act out things Samuel did in the temple.

Week 55

BUILDING THE TENT CHURCH

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME

Lesson Emphasis: Friends work together at church.

Bible Verse to Learn: " Work with your hands(1 Thessalonians 4:11).

Songs:"A Helper I Will Be"

"I Like to Go to Church"

"Friends"

Picture to Use: No. 55

Bible Lesson for the Teacher to Study at Home: Exodus 35, 36.

Moses was the leader of the people. He was helping them travel from Egypt to the Promised Land.

God had a plan for the people. They were to prepare a tent to be called, "The House of God". All the people would meet there to worship.

The people lived in tents. They often moved from one place to another. The House of God was a tent, too. It could be taken down and moved.

When the tent church was finished, it was dedicated to God. A cloud covered the tent church and the glory of the Lord filled it.

As you teach the children, help them to understand that everyone helped to prepare the church. God expected all the people - mothers, fathers and children to work together to build a place of worship.

PRESENTING THE LESSON Welcome each child as he arrives.

Offering: The children should put their gifts in the basket as they arrive.

Records: Call each name. Ask each child to stand as tall as a house.(He will stand and hold his arms up high.) Make a (check) by each name of those present.

Song: "I Like to Go to Church"

Conversation: Ask, "What would you buy for our church with our offering today?" Let the children name some things. If they need help, suggest song books, Bibles, crayons, benches, etc. Song: "Friends"

Bible Verse: Open your Bible to 1 Thessalonians 4:11 and read "Work with your hands." Let the girls say the verse and then the boys. Repeat until most of the children know it.

Bible Story: Say, "Today's story is about some people who worked with their friends. They worked to build a church." Open your Bible to Exodus 5.

BUILDING A TENT CHURCH

God's people had walked a long, long way. They were going to a new country. They would be able to build their houses. God had taken care of them as they traveled. He had given them food when they were hungry. He had given them water when they were thirsty.

Every day the people would walk a long way. At night they would put up their tent houses. They would go to sleep. The next morning they would take down their tents. Then they would start their journey again.

Often the people were tired. One day God spoke to their leader, Moses. God said, "Tell my people to make me a house. It is to be a tent. I will live with my people." God wanted the people to know that he was near. They would be able to see God's house.

God wanted each person to give something for his house. He spoke to Moses, "Have all the people who are willing bring an offering. Let all who have a generous heart, give an offering."

God's people were very happy. They wanted to make a house for God. They were glad to bring their gifts for God's house. Some brought gifts of silver and gold. Some women made curtains. They brought these to the tent church. Some could not bring gifts. They helped make the tent church. They all worked together to make the church.

Soon the tent church was finished. They made it just like God wanted it. When the people looked at God's house, they knew he was with them.

Activity: Make a tent church. Fill a box or pan or any small container with dirt. Use sticks to form a rectangle: The sticks should be 8" - 10" high. Over the sticks place a piece of cloth - a handkerchief, scarf, etc. Song: "I Like to Go to Church"

Picture: Show No. 55. Tell the church that the building in the fence is the tent church. Ask, "Does it look something like the one we have made?"

Prayer: Thank God for your church and the offerings that were brought today. Song: "A Helper I Will Be"

Week 56

AN OFFERING FOR FRIENDS

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME

Lesson Emphasis: Church friends share with one another.

Bible Verse to Learn: "'Learn to do good'" (Isaiah 1:17).

Songs:"Friends"

"I Like to Go to Church"

"We Are Glad Today"

Picture to Use: No. 56

Bible Lesson for the Teacher to Study at Home: Acts 11:27-30

Agabus was a prophet in New Testament times. He told the people that there would be a famine in Israel. There would not be enough food for everyone.

The Christians in Antioch wanted to help the people in the church in Jerusalem. Each one gave gifts to help. Paul and Barnabus took the food and money to Jerusalem.

Read 1 Corinthians 16:2. Paul teaches that each Sunday the people should give an offering. The offering should be given as a gift to God.

Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-15. Paul visited the churches in Macedonia. He told them of the believers in Jerusalem. Many of them were poor. Their land and possessions had been taken away from them when they became Christians. Paul asked the Christians in Macedonia to send gifts to those in Jerusalem. Although they were poor, they wanted to help others. Because they loved God, they sent gifts and letters of encouragement to the Christians in Jerusalem.

God expects everyone (even children) to give an offering. Children can learn that this is a way to worship. Our offerings are a way of sharing with others.

PRESENTING THE LESSON Welcome: As the children arrive, greet each one. Sing "Friends" as they come.

Offering: Have the children to sit in a circle. Pass the basket around. Each child can put in his offering.

Prayer: "Thank you, God for the money which we can share with others. Amen."

Song: "I Like to Go to Church"

Conversation: Ask, "Why do you like to come to church?" Let the children answer.

Say, "At church we learn to share. What do we share?" The children may name mats, books, pictures, etc.

Game: Let one child act out some way he can share with his friends. The other children can guess what he is doing. Two or three children can do this. Example, read a book together; sit on a mat together.

Bible Verse: Open your Bible to Isaiah 1:17 and read, "Learn to do good". Say it with the children.

Bible Story: Say, "The Bible story tells us about some Christians who shared with some friends. They were happy to help others. When they shared they were doing good." Open your Bible to Acts 11 and tell the story:

AN OFFERING FOR FRIENDS

Paul and Barnabus came to visit the people at Antioch church.

They taught them about Jesus. They told them how Jesus helped others.

The people who lived in Jerusalem did not have enough food.

There was a famine in the country.

"Here at Antioch we have food. We are not hungry," one of the Christians said.

"We have learned that Jesus helped others. We can help our friends," a man said.

Soon everyone wanted to help. They began to plan what to do.

"We can each give something for our friends," someone said.

"Some can give money. Others can bring food. We can all share," another answered.

Each person gave what he could. Those who had a lot, gave a lot. Those who had only little, gave a little. When they put it all together they had much to share.

They asked Paul and Barnabas to help them. They asked them to take the things to their friends. It made the people feel happy to be able to share. They were happy they could help their friends.

Picture: Show No. 56 to the children. Ask, "Whom do you see in the picture? What are they doing? Do you think a pastor and a Christian lady have brought food to a poor woman?'

Song: "We're Glad Today"

UNIT 2: WE LEARN ABOUT GOD'S LOVE Lessons: 57, 58, 59, 60, 61

AIM FOR UNIT:

To help each child to know that God loves him personally.

To help each child to feel secure because God loves and provides for him.

People of all ages need to be loved. Many children do not understand that God cares for them and loves them. Some of them believe that God stays in a church building.

These lessons will help you teach the children that God loves each one of them. You can help them to know that God is with them wherever they may go.

Week 57

PHILIP TELLS OF GOD'S LOVE

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME

Lesson Emphasis: God loves everyone.

Bible Verse to Learn: " God is love " (1 John 4:8).

Songs:"Jesus Loves Me"

"Oh, How I Love Jesus"

"Jesus Loves the Little Children"

"I Like to Go to Church"

Picture to Use: No. 57

Bible Lesson for the Teacher to Study at Home: Acts 8:25-40.

Philip was a deacon in the church at Jerusalem. He had been chosen to help the leaders. Acts 6:3 says he was "known to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom."

One day an angel said to Philip, "Go to the road that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza." Philip obeyed God's message. He saw a man riding in a chariot. The man was reading a scroll.

This man was from Ethiopia. He was not a Jew. He had traveled many miles to worship God in the temple. As he returned home, he was reading from the prophet Isaiah.

The Spirit of God spoke to Philip. "Go and walk near the chariot." Philip heard the man reading. He asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?"

Philip then explained the words to him. Read Isaiah 53. Philip told about Jesus. He explained that Jesus died for the sins of others. The Ethiopian believed in Jesus as his Saviour.

Philip was a Jew. The other man was an Ethiopian. God loved them both. God loves all people.

PRESENTING THE LESSON Welcome each child as he comes. Sing, "Jesus Loves the Little Children". Use a child's name instead of 'little children'. For example, "Jesus loves 'Mary' and all the children of the world." Sing again using the name of another child.

Offering: The children may come and put their offering in the container.

Song: "I Like to Go to Church" Game: Say, "How did you come to church today?" Let the children play act how they came: walking, riding a bicycle, riding in a car. Then mention other ways of traveling: airplane, train, boat, horse or donkey, taxi, etc. Play act each of these.

Conversation: Say, "There are many ways to travel. In our Bible story today a man was going on a long trip. He traveled in a chariot."

Bible Story: Open your Bible to Acts 8.

PHILIP TELLS OF GOD'S LOVE

Philip was a friend of Jesus. Ho was walking down the road from Jerusalem. He heard the rumble, rumble of a chariot. He looked and saw a horse pulling a chariot.

There was a man riding in the chariot. He had been to the church in Jerusalem. He was going back to Ethiopia. He was reading a Bible scroll.

Philip did not know the man. He was a stranger to him. When Philip heard the man reading the Bible, he went to talk to him.

"Do you understand the verses you are reading?" Philip asked.

"No," he answered. "I do not understand. I need someone to help me. Can you help me?"

Philip got in the chariot. He read the verses. He began to explain them to the man.

"These words tell about Jesus. Jesus is God's Son. God sent his Son to be your friend. God wants to be a friend to everyone. God loves all people."

The man listened, Philip told him more about Jesus.

"I love Jesus," the man said. "I want Jesus to be my friend. Thank you for telling me about him."

The man stopped the horse. Philip got out of the chariot. He said good-by to the man.

When the man returned to his home in Ethiopia, he shared the words of Philip. He told many people about God's love. Perhaps he said, "I am glad that God loves everyone. I am glad that Philip told me about God's love. I am thankful for my Bible scroll." Song: "Jesus Loves Me"

"Oh, How I Love Jesus" Activity: Have the children make a road. If the class meets outside, they can draw in the dirt. If the class meets inside, provide a small box or basket of dirt. Let the children tell what happened on the road.

Picture: Show No. 57. Point out Philip and the man from Ethiopia. The horse is pulling the chariot. The man is holding a scroll.

Song: "Jesus Loves the Little Children"

Week 58

JACOB'S DREAM

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME Lesson Emphasis: God is near.

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

Songs:"God Is Very Near"

"God Takes Care of Me, I Know"

"Jesus Loves Me"

Picture to Use: No. 58

Bible Lesson for the Teacher to Study at Home: Genesis 28

Jacob and Esau were brothers. Jacob had cheated Esau out of his inheritance. Therefore Esau hated Jacob. When their father died, Esau planned to kill Jacob.

Their mother, Rebecca, warned Jacob. She knew he must leave home. Isaac told Jacob to go to his uncle's home. He was told to go and marry one of the girls there. Isaac blessed his son, Jacob, before he started on his journey. He blessed him in the same way he had been blessed by his father, Abraham.

Jacob began his journey. At sunset he stopped to sleep. He slept outside; he used a stone for a pillow.

He had a dream. He saw God standing beside him. God said, "I am the Lord, the God of Abraham and Isaac. I will give to you and to your descendants the land on which you are lying." Read Genesis 28:13-15.

Jacob took the stone and set it up as an altar to God. He worshipped God there; he called the place "Bethel". This means "the house of God".

Children are often frightened at night time. This lesson can help them understand that God is always near. He watches over them at night time as well as during the day.

PRESENTING THE LESSON

Welcome each child with this song:

"I'm so happy; I'm so happy

I'm so happy 'John' is here today."

Sing for each child using the child's name. All the children can sing with you.

Offering: Have the children to put their offering in the basket as they come in.

Records: Call each child's name and put a mark by those who are present.

Song: "God Is Very Near"

Conversation: Say, "When you wake up in the night and it is dark, are you afraid? Most of us are afraid sometimes. Remember that God is very near. Remember he is taking care of you then you will not be afraid.

Song:"God Takes Care of Me, I Know"

Bible Verse: Say, "There is a Bible verse that tells us God is near. Open your Bible to Psalm 119:151 and read, "Thou are near, 0 Lord". Ask the children to say it a few times.

Prayer: Thank God for being near.

Game: Have children to pretend it is night time. They will lie down. One child is the moon. He will stand with his arms up making a circle. After a few minutes, the sun will awaken the children.

Another child will be the sun. The children will be doing activities of the day time.

Bible Story: Say, "Our story is about a man who slept outside one night." Open your Bible to Genesis 28 and tell the story:

JACOB'S DREAM

"Jacob, Jacob," Isaac called to his son. "I want you to go on a long journey. I want you to visit your uncle."

Jacob made preparations for his trip. He packed some clothes and some food. He would be walking to his uncle's house. It would take him several days.

Soon Jacob began his trip. He walked and walked. The sun was setting. Darkness was coming over the land. Jacob saw one star and then another and another. Night had come.

"I will stop here, " thought Jacob. He found a smooth stone to use as a pillow. He lay down and went to sleep.

While he slept, he dreamed. In the dream, he saw a ladder going up into heaven. God spoke to Jacob, "I am here with you. I will always be near you. I will take care of you wherever you go."

Jacob woke up. He did not see anyone. He did not hear anyone speaking. But he knew he had heard God.

"God is with me now in this place, " he said. "He will be near me wherever I go. I do not need to be afraid. God will take care of me."

Songs: "God Is Very Near"

"Jesus Loves Me"

Drama: The children can act out the story. Have a small stone for the pillow.

Picture: Show No. 58 and talk about the night time.

Prayer: Thank God for his care during the night.

Week 59

DAVID AND JONATHAN

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME

Lesson Emphasis: God planned for friends.

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

Songs to Sing:"Friends"

"The Happy Way"

"Help Me to Be Kind"

Picture to Use: No. 59

Bible Lesson for the Teacher to Study at Home: 1 Samuel 18:1-5; 17:55-58; 20:1-17

You will remember the story of David and the giant, Goliath. King Saul was very pleased with David. He asked David to live with him and his family.

Saul had a son named Jonathan. He and David were very good friends. They promised to be friends always.

Jonathan gave David his robe, his sword, and his armour . They both became soldiers. Because David was such a good soldier, he was made an officer. Later, David married Jonathan's sister. So, they were one family.

Jonathan and David were friends as long as they lived. However, King Saul came to hate David. He was angry with his son because Jonathan continued to love David.

When Jonathan was killed in battle, David was very sad. He wrote a Psalm telling of his grief. Read 2 Samuel 1:19-27.

This is an example of good friends in the Bible. God planned for us to have friends. He planned for us to love one another and to share together.

PRESENTING THE LESSON

Welcome the children as they come. Say, "I am so happy to see my friend 'John'." Call each child's name.

Sang: Sing "The Happy Way" as the children march around and put their offerings in the basket.

Prayer: "Thank you, God, for the gifts we bring."

Records: Call one child's name. Have him call another name. Continue until every child has been called. Put a check in the exercise book by the name of those present.

Game: The teacher will sing, "I want a friend to stand with me, stand with me, stand with me. I want a friend to stand with me. His (or her) name is ______. Then, together you sing, "We want a friend to stand with us.

His name is ______ Then all three will sing.

Continue to call names until all the children are standing and singing.

Prayer: Say, "Let us thank God for our friends."

Bible Story: Open your Bible to 1 Samuel 18 and tell the story:

DAVID AND JONATHAN

One day some messengers came to see David. He was tending his father's sheep. "We have come from King Saul," they said. "He wants to see you, so please come with us."

David was very happy. The king wanted to see him. He hurried to his house.

King Saul said, "David, you are a brave young man. You have helped your people. I want you to come and live in my house."

The king's son, Jonathan, was standing beside his father. He and David liked each other. Jonathan was happy that David was going to live with them.

Jonathan gave David his coat and his sword. He said, "These gifts are from me because I love you. I want you to be my friend."

David and Jonathan liked to talk together. They also liked to walk and hunt together. They sometimes played games together.

Jonathan spoke to David, "Let us promise we will always be friends."

David agreed. He loved Jonathan. As they grew older they remained good friends. They never forgot their promise.

Many years later David became king. Jonathan was killed in battle. David was very sad. He even wrote a psalm about Jonathan and their friendship.

Jonathan had a son who was crippled. David asked him to live in

the king's house with him. David said, "Your grandfather Saul asked me to live with him. Your father became my best friend. Now I want you to live with me."

Songs: "Friends" , "Help Me to Be Kind"

Bible Verse: Turn in your Bible to Proverbs 17:17 and read, "A friend loves at all times." Have the girls repeat it and then the boys. Ask all to say the verse together.

Song: "Friends"

Picture: Show No. 59. Ask, "Which is David? Who is the other boy?" Talk about things friends can do together.

Week 60

DORCAS, A KIND HELPER

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HONE

Lesson Emphasis: God planned for helpers.

Bible Verse to Learn: " He cares about you(1 Peter 5:7).

Songs to Sing:"Jesus Helped the Sick"

"A Helper I Will Be"

"Help Me to Be Kind"

Picture to Use: No. 60

Bible Lesson for the Teacher to Study at Home: Acts 9:36-42.

Dorcas was a woman who lived in Joppa. She was a believer in Jesus Christ. The Bible says she spent all her time doing good and helping the poor.

One day Dorcas became ill and died. Her friends sent two men to find Peter. They asked him to come quickly.

Peter went to Joppa at once. When he came to the house where Dorcas was lying, he saw many widows and poor women. Many of them were weeping. They were remembering the things Dorcas had given them.

Peter sent them all out of the room. Then he knelt and prayed. Dorcas opened her eyes. When she saw Peter, she sat up. She was alive and well. The news of this miracle amazed the people. Many believed in Jesus.

One way that we show God's love is by helping other people. Children can help in many ways. They can understand that this pleases God.

PRESENTING THE LESSON

Welcome the children as they arrive. Ask the children to help as you prepare the room. Arrange mats or benches, dust and sweep, etc.

Offering: Place the basket near the door so each one can put in his offering as he comes.

Song: "A Helper I Will Be" Records: Mark in the exercise book all of those who are present.

Conversation: Ask, "Does God want us to be helpers? How can we be helpers?" Let the children answer.

Song: "Help Me to Be Kind"

Game: Act out ways of helping such as pounding corn, hoeing vegetables, caring for a sick person. Let the children guess what you are doing.

Bible Story: Open your Bible to Acts 9. Say, "The Bible tells us about a very kind woman whose name was Dorcas. She did many kind things to help others."

DORCAS, A KIND HELPER

Dorcas had many friends. She was a woman who loved Jesus. She liked to help her friends. Dorcas was not selfish.

She saw children who did not have enough clothes. She wanted to share with them. Dorcas decided to make clothes for the children.

She took some cloth and cut it into pieces. She took her needle and thread and began to sew. Dorcas worked quickly. She made a dress and a shirt. Then she made a pair of trousers and another shirt. When she had finished she gave them to the children. Everyone loved Dorcas because she helped so many people.

One day Dorcas became very sick, and she died. Her friends were very sad. They knew that the preacher, Peter, was in a nearby village. They sent someone to bring him to her house.

Peter went with the two men to Dorcas' house. Her friends were there crying. They said, "Please help her, Peter."

They showed him the many clothes she had made. They said, "She has always been kind to us. She made clothes to help her friends and neighbors. She made them because she loves Jesus."

Peter asked the people to leave the room. He knelt down by the bed and prayed to God. After Peter prayed he stood up and said, "Dorcas, get up."

Dorcas opened her eyes and sat up. Peter took her hand and helped her stand up. Then she went with Peter to see her friends.

All the people were happy to see Dorcas again. They knew that God had made her alive. They all thanked God. Picture: Show No. 60. Ask, "Who is in the picture? What is she doing?" Guide them in talking about what Dorcas did to help her neighbors.

Song: "Jesus Helped the Sick"

Bible Verse: Open your Bible to 1 Peter 5:7 and read "He cares about you." Ask all the children to repeat it with you.

Song: "Help Me to Be Kind"

Week 61

BABY MOSES' FAMILY

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME

Lesson Emphasis: God planned for families.

Bible Verse to Learn: " God is with us(Isaiah 8:10).

Songs:"God Takes Care of Me, I Know"

"Jesus Loves the Little Children"

"God is Very Near"

"Happy Sunday Morning"

Picture to Use: No. 61

Bible Lesson for the Teacher to Study at Home: Exodus 2:1-9.

The people of Israel had been in Egypt for many years. Joseph had been a leader in the country, but he had died. The people of Israel had become slaves of Pharaoh.

The king decided to destroy all the newborn sons of the Israelites. He commanded the mid-wives to kill every baby boy. But they feared God and did not obey Pharaoh.

A baby boy was born to an Israelite family. The baby was named Moses. They hid him in their house for three months.

The time came when the family could no longer hide Moses. The mother made a basket. She covered the inside with tar so water could not come in. She put the baby inside the basket and put the basket in the river.

Pharaoh's daughter saw the basket and heard the baby crying. Verse 6 says, "She felt sorry for him".

Miriam, the baby's sister, came and brought an Israelite woman, her mother, to nurse the baby. When he was older, he was taken to live with Pharaoh's daughter.

Families are part of God's plan. Help the children to know that God uses parents to care for them.

PRESENTING THE LESSON

Welcome the children as they arrive. Sing, "Happy Sunday Morning."

Offering: Ask a child to pass the basket.

Prayer: Thank God for the gifts they have given.

Records: Call each name and mark in the exercise book.

Song: "God Takes Care of Me, I Know", "Jesus Loves the Little Children"

Conversation: Say, "Who has a baby brother? Do you help care for the baby? What do you do to help?" Let the children name ways they help care for the baby.

Bible Story: Say, "Today I am going to tell you a story about a baby who came from a happy family. He had a mother, a father, a brother and a sister." open your Bible to Exodus 2

BABY MOSES' FAMILY

Baby Moses was a healthy baby. He laughed many times. He had a brother and a sister.

His family loved him. But they had to be very careful. They had to hide the baby to keep him safe. The king had commanded that all baby boys be killed.

Miriam, his sister, helped to care for the baby. One day Mother told Miriam, "Baby Moses is growing. He cries and laughs loudly now. We must find another way to hide him."

Mother began to make a basket. She made it very tight. She put tar inside so water would not leak in.

"Miriam, wrap the baby in a blanket. Bring him to me," Mother said.

They put Moses inside the basket and took him to the river. They put the basket on the river. It floated on the water. Moses was dry and safe.

"You must stay here and watch carefully," Mother told Miriam.

Soon Miriam heard someone coming. She saw that it was the daughter of the king. She had come to the river to bathe.

When she saw the basket, the woman said, "Bring it to me".

She opened the basket and saw the baby. "This is an Israelite baby, but I want him. I want to raise him as my son," said the king's daughter.

Miriam ran to her and asked, "Shall I get a nurse for the baby?"

So Miriam ran quickly and called her mother. The woman gave the baby to his mother. "Take this child and nurse him. When he is weaned, bring him back to me."

How happy Miriam and her family were. God had helped them keep their baby safe.

Picture: Show No. 61. Ask, "What is happening in the picture?" Talk about the story.

Bible Verse: Repeat the verse "God is with us". Let the children say it with you.

Drama: Act out the story. Choose children to be mother, father, sister, brother, Pharaoh's daughter and her helpers. Have a basket with a cloth in it for the baby.

Song: "God Is Very Near"

UNIT 3: WE LEARN TO SHOW GOD'S LOVE Lessons: 62, 63, 64, 65

AIM FOR UNIT:

To help each child understand ways he can show God's love.

To help each child understand ways he can show his love to other people.

We know that God loves us. We know that Jesus helped many people when he was here on earth. We know that Jesus still helps people today.

Jesus is our example of how to show God's love. We, as teachers, are examples for the children. When we are kind, they learn to be kind. When we love them, they learn to love. From us children can learn to forgive one another.

Week 62

THE WOMAN AT THE WELL

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME

Lesson Emphasis: God loves everyone.

Bible Verse to Learn: "God .... loved us and sent his son" (1 John 4:10).

Songs to Sing:"Jesus Loves Me"

"Friends"

"Help Me to Be Kind"

Picture to Use: No. 62

Bible Lesson for the Teacher to Study at Home: John 4:1-42.

These verses tell of Jesus meeting a Samaritan woman. Samaritans were a mixed race of Jews and other nationalities. There was a great hatred between the Jews and Samaritans. They did not even talk with one another.

Jesus and his disciples were traveling from Jerusalem to Galilee. The shortest route was through Samaria. While the disciples went into the town to buy food, Jesus sat by a well. This is where he met the woman.

Jesus chose to be a friend to the woman and other Samaritans as well. Notice how he talked with her first about his need. He was thirsty; she could provide water.

Then, he talked about her need; she was a sinner. He could show her how to worship God with a clean heart. Jesus and his disciples stayed there for two days. Many people became believers.

Remember, you are teaching young children. They do not yet understand sin. Read the scripture verses again. Jesus was a stranger. He was traveling through the village. He was tired and thirsty. A woman was kind to him. She game him water to drink.

And, of course, Jesus helped her. He was kind even though she was a bad woman. You can help the children understand that they can be kind to strangers and visitors. This is a way of showing God's love.

PRESENTING THE LESSON Welcome each child. Say, "I'm glad you have come today, Mary. Would you like a drink of water?" Give each child a drink of water.

Offering: Let the children march in a circle and put their offerings in the basket.

Song: "Friends"

Game: Stand in front and say, "I play all alone, I play alone. Who will play with me? La, la, la, la, la." After the question, choose a child to hold hands with and sing, "We play alone. Who will play with us? La, la, la, la, la." Continue until all the children are in the circle.

Conversation: Say, "Have you had a visitor in your home this week?" Talk about who came and where he came from. "What did your mother do to welcome him?" Talk about ways to be helpful to guests.

Bible Story: Open your Bible to John 4

THE WOMAN AT THE WELL

It was hot in the country of Samaria. The woman picked up her water jar. She put it on her head. She walked quickly to the well.

When she came to the well, a man was there. He was resting. She did not recognize him. He was not a Samaritan. He was a Jew.

Quickly she started to draw her water.

"May I have a drink of water?" asked the man. The man was Jesus.

The woman was surprised that he would ask her for water. "You are a Jew. I am a Samaritan. Why do you ask me for a drink?" she said.

Jesus talked with the woman a long time. He told her many things about God.

"God loves you," he said.

"I know that someday God will send his Son," the woman said.

"God has already sent his Son," Jesus told her. "I am God's Son, Jesus."

"Are you really God's Son?" the woman asked. "I must tell my friends about you. I want everyone to know God's Son."

The woman ran back into the village. She called everyone to go with her to the well.

"Come to the well. God's Son is there. Come and see," she said.

The woman's friends gathered around Jesus. They listened as he talked. They asked him many questions.

Jesus and his disciples went to their village. They stayed two days telling people about God's love.

Picture: Show No. 62. Ask, "What do you see in the picture? Where do you get water?" If they get water from some place other than the tap in their house, talk with them about getting water. Who carries it? Whom do they see when they go to get water? Song: "Jesus Loves Me"

"Help Me to Be Kind"

Bible Verse: Open your Bible and read 1 John 4:10, "God .... loved us and sent his son." Repeat it together.

Prayer: Thank God for sending Jesus.

Week 63

THE GOOD SAMARITAN

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME

Lesson Emphasis: We can help others.

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

Songs to Sing: "The Happy Way"

"Help Me to Be Kind"

"A Helper I Will Be"

Picture to Use: No. 63

Bible Lesson for the Teacher to Study at Home: Luke 10:25-37.

A lawyer asked Jesus a question. He was trying to trap Jesus by asking a difficult question. Jesus answered by asking a question, "What does the Scripture say?"

Read the lawyer's answer in verse 27. Jesus approved his answer. "Do this and you will have eternal life," he said.

Then the lawyer asked another question, "Who is my neighbor?"

To the Jews, neighbor meant another Jew. To the Samaritan, it meant another Samaritan. To Jesus, neighbor meant everyone. He told a story to teach who is a neighbor.

Read Luke 10:30-37 again. This is the story which you will tell the children. A preacher and a church leader passed the injured man. They did not stop to help. A Samaritan man was the one who helped the injured Jew. Thus, he was the neighbor.

You will want the children to learn that they can help others. We know God loves all people. He wants us to show this love. One way we can do this is by being kind and helpful to everyone.

PRESENTING THE LESSON Welcome each child by singing, "I'm glad today. I'm glad today for

Mary has come to Sunday School." Use each child's name. Others may join in singing.

Offering: Pass the basket to each child.

Song: "A Helper I Will Be"

Records: As you call each name, have the child to stand and remain standing until everyone has been called.

Game: Make a circle. Say, "Now we are going to be as small as a mouse." Squat down on your haunches. Say, "Now, we are as tall as a house." Stand with hands up over head. "Now, we are wide as a gate." Stand with legs and arms apart. "Now I am still as a cloud." Sit down quietly.

Bible Story: Open your Bible to Luke 10.

THE GOOD SAMARITAN

One day a man was walking from Jerusalem to Jericho. Suddenly some robbers stopped him. They took his things. They beat the man. They left him lying beside the road.

The hurt man could not move. He heard someone walking nearby. But no one stopped to help him. He could hear the footsteps pass quickly.

Again the hurt man heard footsteps. Someone else was coming. He thought, "This man will help me." But the man only looked at the injured man and hurried past.

The hurt man was very sick. He needed someone to help him. After some time, he heard footsteps again. It was not a man walking. It was a donkey coming down the road. The hurt man heard someone tell the donkey to stop. He looked up and saw a man getting off the donkey. The man was from Samaria.

The kind man went to the hurt man. "I am going to help you," he said.

He put some medicine on the hurt man. He put bandages on the cuts. Then he put the man on his donkey. They started down the road. When they came to a house, the kind man stopped. He helped the hurt man into the house. He game him food to eat and a bed where he could rest.

The hurt man was feeling better. He had a new friend.

The next morning the kind man had to go on his trip. He left money

so that the hurt man would have food and care. He was called the good

Samaritan because he was so kind.

Conversation: Ask, "Can you tell me how many kind things the man did?" Let the children name the kind deeds. Say, "Jesus wants us to be kind, too. "

Picture: Show No. 63. Say, "What is the child doing? Is she being kind?" Name other ways to be kind to mother, to father, to guests.

Song: "Help Me to Be Kind"

Drama: The children will enjoy acting the story of "The Good Samaritan." Do not permit the children who are acting as robbers to be rough.

Bible Verse: Say, "The Bible says we should be helpers." Read Isaiah 41:6, "Every one helps his neighbor." Say the verse together.

Prayer: Thank God for those who help us.

Week 64

ISAAC AND THE WELLS

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME

Lesson Emphasis: We should forgive others.

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

Songs to Sing:"The Happy Way"

"Friends"

"Help Me to Be Kind"

Picture to Use: No. 64

Bible Lesson for the Teacher to Use at Home: Genesis 26:17-33.

Isaac was one of the men who pleased God. He was the son of Abraham and Sarah. He received the same promise that God had given Abraham: "I will cause your descendants to become as numerous as the stars. And I will give them all these lands; and they shall be a blessing to all the nations of the earth."

There had been a drought in the land. God led Isaac to a place called Gerar. There Isaac had many crops. He also had many cattle and sheep. He became very wealthy. The king of that land asked Isaac to move to another land.

Isaac began the trip. He traveled the same route his father, Abraham, had traveled. The wells Abraham had dug had been filled with dirt. So, Isaac's men dug a new well. When the local herdsmen saw it, they claimed it was theirs. They began to quarrel with Isaac's men.

Isaac and his men moved and dug a second well. Again, the well was claimed by the herdsmen.

Isaac moved his people and flocks farther away. There he was able to keep and use the wells he had dug.

God was pleased with Isaac. He had not wanted to quarrel. He had been willing to forgive those who did wrong to him.

This lesson will help children learn to forgive those who treat them wrongly.

PRESENTING THE LESSON

Welcome the children as each one arrives.

Offering: Sing, "The Happy Way" as the basket is passed to the children.

Records: Call each name and mark in the exercise book those who are present.

Activity: Take the children on a walk outside to collect small stones.

They will need about 25 small stones. When you return to the class, divide the children into three groups. Give each group five to eight stones. They will stack them to make a well.

Bible Story: Say, "Our story is about a man who had to build three wells." Open your Bible to Genesis 26 and tell the story:

ISAAC AND THE WELLS

Isaac had many sheep and cattle. They needed water to drink. They needed green grass to eat. Isaac took his herds to a valley with green grass. This was the same valley where Isaac's father had lived. Isaac found the wells his father had dug.

Dirt had fallen into the wells. He could not get water for the animals. Isaac told his workers, "Clean out the dirt. Dig the wells again. Our animals need water to drink."

The workers cleaned out the wells. The sheep and cattle had clean water.

Some other men came to the workers. They said, "This water is ours. You cannot stay here." When the workers told Isaac what had happened, he said, "We will move away. We do not want to quarrel."

Isaac took his family, his workers and his animals to another place. Again the workers dug a well for water. Again other men came to Isaac's workers and said, "This is our water. You must leave it alone."

Isaac heard what had happened. "We will move. We do not want to quarrel," he said.

Isaac again moved his family, his workers and his herds. He asked God to help him.

That night Isaac had a dream. God talked to him. "You have done the right thing. I will take care of you," God told him.

Then Isaac's workers dug another well. They hurried to tell Isaac, "We have found good water."

Isaac said, "This is a good day. I am glad that we have pleased God."

Bible Verse: Say, "God is pleased when we forgive others. He wants us to be kind. We have an important verse to learn today. Read Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind to one another." Ask the children to name ways they can be kind.

Song: "Friends" Activity: Have the children stand in a circle. As you walk around, gently bump one child; say, "I'm sorry". Then gently step on one's toe; say "I'm sorry". Gently push between two children; say, "I'm sorry."

Conversation: Ask, "What did I say? Yes, I said 'I'm sorry'. I wanted you to forgive me because I did something wrong."

Song: "Help Me to Be Kind"

Week 65

A WOMAN SHARES HER FOOD

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME

Lesson Emphasis: We can share with others.

Bible Verse to Learn: "'Love one another'" (John 15:17).

Songs to Sing:"God Takes Care of Me, I Know"

"The Happy Way"

"Happy Sunday Morning"

Picture to Use: No. 65

Bible Lesson for the Teacher to Study at Home: 1 Kings 17:8-16.

The people of Israel had begun to worship idols. God punished the nation by causing years of drought. There was not enough food for the people.

Elijah was a prophet of God. God spoke to him and told him to go to the town of Zarephath. God said, "A widow will take care of you.

Elijah met the woman at the gate to the city. She brought water for him to drink. But she only had flour and oil for one more meal. She and her son had no other food. Read the verses again. In verse 15 we read, "She did as Elijah told her and all of them had food for many days."

The children can learn that God is pleased when we share with others. God expects us to share with our preachers, too.

PRESENTING THE LESSON Welcome the children as they arrive. Say, "I am glad Mary has come today."

Offering: Sing "The Happy Way" as the children march by and give their offerings.

Records: Recognize those who have attended every Sunday for three months. Call each name as you mark it in the book.

Game: Give each child three beans. You will also have three beans.

Say, "I am going to share my beans with Mary." Give her one or two beans. Then she will share with another. She can give as many beans as she wants. Continue until every child has shared with another.

Conversation: Ask, "Did you like to share? This pleases God. In our families we share. Who is in your family?" Let the children answer. Some will say mother and father, brothers, sisters, grand parents, etc.

Bible Story: Say, "Our story today is about a family who shared with a preacher." Open your Bible to 1 Kings 17 and tell the story:

A WOMAN WHO SHARES HER FOOD

A mother and her son lived in their little house. Often the little boy would watch his mother baking bread. His mother took flour and a little oil. She mixed these together. She patted the dough until it was round and flat.

Then the mother would cook the bread on hot stones. The little boy liked the little flat bread.

But this year there had been no rain. No crops grew in the fields. People were hungry. The boy and his mother did not have enough food.

The mother had only a little flour and oil left. She would be able to make bread one more time. The mother did not know where she would get more. When this was gone, they would be hungry, too.

The mother went to get wood for a fire. She would cook the last bread. On her way, she met Elijah, the preacher. He had been walking for a long time. He was tired, hungry and thirsty.

"May I have a drink of water? I have traveled a long way. I am very thirsty." he said.

The mother gave him some water. He asked, "Please would you give me some bread, too?"

Oh, I am sorry," she told him. "I have only a little flour and oil. I want to make bread for my son."

"Do not worry," Elijah said. "Make a little bread for me first. Then make some for you and your son. God has promised that there will be enough for us."

She baked the bread on the fire. She gave it to Elijah. She had some flour left. It was enough for bread for her son and herself.

Every day after that she baked bread. The basket of flour always had just enough in it. The jar of oil had enough. God gave them food because they had shared.

Prayer: Thank God for the food he gave the mother and her son.

Song: "God Takes Care of Me, I Know"

Drama: Choose one child to be the mother, one to be the son and one to be the preacher. Act out the story. Repeat with three other children.

Bible Verse: Open your Bible to John 15:17 and read, "Love one another". Ask the children to make a circle, holding hands. Say the verse together.

Song: "Happy Sunday Morning"

Picture: Show No. 65. Point out Elijah, the preacher. Ask, "What does the woman have in her hand? What do you think is in the jar?" Talk about things they can share with others.