Learning to Worship and Pray
Transcription
Learning to Worship and Pray
Learning to Worship and Pray Winter 2013–14 Singing with Understanding ............................... . . . . . . . . . .2 Primary Resources ......................................... . . . . . . . . . . .4 Basic Supplies for Primary Teachers ..................... . . . . . . . . . . .5 Explaining Salvation to Primaries ......................... . . . . . . . . . . .6 Christmas Party Ideas ..................................... . . . . . . . . 120 The Doctrinal Basis of Our Curriculum A more detailed statement with references is available upon request. • Theverbal,plenaryinspiration oftheScriptures • OnlyonetrueGod • TheTrinityoftheGodhead • TheHolySpiritandHisministry • ThepersonalityofSatan • TheGenesisaccountofcreation • Originalsinandthefallofman • ThevirginbirthofChrist • Salvationthroughfaithinthe shedbloodofChrist • Thebodilyresurrectionand priesthoodofChrist • Graceandthenewbirth • Justificationbyfaith • Sanctificationofthebeliever • Thesecurityofthebeliever • Thechurch • Theordinancesofthelocalchurch: baptismbyimmersionand the Lord’sSupper • Biblicalseparation— ecclesiasticalandpersonal • Obediencetocivilgovernment • TheplaceofIsrael • Thepretribulationraptureofthechurch • ThepremillennialreturnofChrist • ThemillennialreignofChrist • EternalgloryinHeavenfortherighteous • EternaltormentinHellforthewicked Regular Baptist Press We Worship God UNIT 1 OVERVIEW ............................................... . . . . . . . . . . 7 December 1, 2013 We Worship by Obedience ..... . . . . . . . . . .9 December 8, 2013 We Worship with Praise ......... . . . . . . . . . 17 December 15, 2013 We Worship with Adoration ... . . . . . . . . . 25 December 22, 2013 We Worship by Giving ........... . . . . . . . . 33 We Worship God Together UNIT 2 OVERVIEW ............................................... . . . . . . . . 42 December 29, 2013 We Worship in a Special Place . . . . . . . . . 44 January 5, 2014 We Worship God with Music ... . . . . . . . . 53 January 12, 2014 We Worship God with Thanksgiving. . . . 61 We Pray to God UNIT 3 OVERVIEW ............................................... . . . . . . . . 68 January 19, 2014 Jesus Teaches about Prayer ... . . . . . . . . . 70 January 26, 2014 Praying for Other People ....... . . . . . . . . . 79 February 2, 2014 Praying for Help ................. . . . . . . . . . 87 February 9, 2014 Praying When We’ve Sinned ... . . . . . . . . . 95 February 16, 2014 Praying When We Are Sick ..... . . . . . . . . 104 February 23, 2014 Praising God in Prayer ......... . . . . . . . . . 112 1300 North Meacham Road • Schaumburg, Illinois 60173-4806 Winter Quarter 2013 –14 • Vol. 61, No. 2 • © 2009 by Regular Baptist Press • Printed in U.S.A. Janis Salzman, Editorial Manager • King James Version Singing with Understanding Do your students understand what they are singing? When asked to explain the chorus “Deep and Wide,” seven-year-old Paul responded, “Uh . . . I’m not sure what it means.” Children enjoy doing the hand motions and omitting words when singing that chorus, but they do not have a clue about its meaning—neither do their teachers! Primary children reason literally and concretely. They take words at face value. As one primary boy expressed, “Words should mean what they say!” When children sing “This Little Light of Mine,” they do not think of the light being symbolic of their spiritual lives. They think of the light literally: as a candle—one that they will not let Satan blow out. Primaries learn about God by singing hymns and songs. Through singing, they rehearse God’s truths and express praise to Him. However, for that experience to be meaningful, the children must first comprehend the lyrics. If the words are symbolic or abstract, the meaning escapes them. Select songs that . . . relate God’s love and care to the children’s realm of experience. Lyrics such as “God tells me of His care for me, And everywhere His love I see—At home, at school, at play each day . . .” provide opportunity to discuss with the children how they can see God’s love all around them. have teaching value. Just because songs have been around a long time, doesn’t mean they are good teaching tools. Old favorites such as “Fishers of Men” (referring to witnessing) and “Give Me Oil in My Lamp” (alluding to the parable of the ten virgins) contain symbolism too complex for primaries. A song such as “Faith Is Just Believing” helps children understand what “faith” means. contain lyrics that require little explanation. Check to see if the words are literal in meaning. Can the children understand the lyrics without the need for in-depth interpretation? What does “bubbling in my soul” or “climbing sunshine mountain” mean to a primary? speak of the “now.” The future holds little meaning for primaries. Their perspective on time is limited. Words that refer to the “now” in which they live have the most meaning. Consider the “now” value of these words: “We thank You, O our Selecting Songs Choosing appropriate songs for primaries takes a great deal of thought. Consider using the following criteria as you make your selections. 2 CD are available on the resource CD. (Remember this about the song suggestions in your teacher’s guide: You can always substitute other songs with a similar message.) Father, for all Your loving care; We thank You that You made the world so bright and fair. For home and food we thank You; For rest when day is done. And O, our God, we thank You, For Jesus Christ, Your Son.” Use sight and hearing when introducing a song. Primaries vary greatly in their reading ability. Let them not only hear the song but also see the lyrics. Play a recording of the song as background music as the children arrive. convey accurate messages. Do the lyrics teach what we want the children to learn? Select songs that are theologically correct and have real spiritual value. Think of how much a song like “My God Is So Great” teaches children about our God. Be literal in your illustrations and in printing the lyrics. Avoid using the number “4” instead of the word “for” or the picture of an eye for the word “I.” This requires an unnecessary mental process and confuses rather than clarifies. have music that fits the words. For lyrics that communicate the greatness of God, the style of music should reflect that awesome concept. If the words speak of joy and happiness, the music can be more lighthearted and lively. Sing the whole stanza several times. Children understand the message of the song better when they hear the entire song before considering individual lines or phrases. To encourage children’s active listening, ask the children to listen for answers to questions or for repeated words or ideas as you replay the stanza. are easy to sing. Songs are easier to sing when they do not have big skips between notes in the melody. Choose songs with intervals within thirds or fourths. The voice range of primary children usually lies between middle C to D in the octave above. teach children to appreciate good quality music. Music should be worthy of the spiritual message. Vary methods of learning the song. Try the following variations: • Sing one line (teacher); students repeat. • Call on different groups to sing parts of the song; e.g., “All those wearing blue, sing the chorus”; “First graders, sing stanza one”; “Girls, sing the last stanza.” • Use visuals. Print lyrics on chart paper. Add visuals to go with printed lyrics. The children can help with the illustrations from time to time. • Pantomime or act out the lyrics in skits. • Clap to the rhythm, or use rhythm instruments. honor God and His Word. If you have reservations about either music or lyrics, continue your search for the song that will bring honor to the Lord. Teaching Songs Primary students memorize quickly and often learn songs through repetition. However, learning songs involves more than just repeating memorized words. You can enhance the song’s meaning and add to its enjoyment by incorporating the following guidelines as you teach the song. Primary children enjoy singing! Capitalize on their love of music by selecting songs that teach primaries about the Lord and express praise to Him. Consider the songs’ lyrics. Are the lyrics honoring to God? Would He be pleased with the style and content of the songs? Songs learned in childhood stay with us for a lifetime. Take the time to choose the best. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16). Learn the song well yourself. Knowing the words and music will allow you to relax and enjoy the new song while you teach the children. You may not be familiar with all the songs that are recommended in your RBP teacher’s guide. If you do not play the piano, ask someone else to help you learn the song. Perhaps a member of the choir would be glad to record the song for you. As you play the recording over and over, you will learn the song. We have included a song CD in the resource packet. Plan to listen to those songs as well. In addition, songsheets for each song on the 3 Primary Resources Your Bible GROWING FAITH Primary Teacher’s Guide Winter Quarter 2013–14 (1380) Order one guide for each superintendent and teacher in Sunday School each quarter. GROWING FAITH Primary Teaching Resources Winter Quarter 2013–14 (1381K) Order one packet for each group of students in Sunday School. GROWING FAITH Student Handwork Books Books 1 and 2 (1382,1383) Order one student book for each teacher and child in Sunday School each quarter. Order book 1 for students in first grade; order book 2 for students in second grade. GOD’S EXPLORERS Take-home Papers Winter Quarter 2013–14 (1384) Order one set of take-home papers for each teacher and student. Attendance and Verse Charts Instrument and Praying Hands Stickers Winter Quarter 2013–14 (1306) Charts and stickers are packaged together by fives. Order one package for every five students. Ordering information All materials—except your Bible—are available from Regular Baptist Press • 1300 N. Meacham Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173-4806 • Web: www.RegularBaptistPress.org • E-mail: [email protected] • Toll-free orders in the United States: 1-800-727-4440 • Fax: 1-847-843-3757 • Canada: Contact your distributor. 4 Teaching Aids Basic Supplies for Primary Teachers Adhesives Offering container Flannelboards 16" x 24" (6062, $16.99) 26" x 36" (6063, $24.99) Pocket chart (8664, $19.99) Sentence strips (8677, $5.99 per pkg. of 75) Glue sticks Craft glue Plasti-Tak Hot glue gun (teacher’s use only) Office Supplies Music Growing Songs for Children No. 1 (7827, $4.99) Master Chorus Book No. 1 (7828, $10.99) Master Chorus Book No. 2 (7832, $9.99) Salvation Songs Favorites (7837, $4.99) Paper Products 9" x 12" and 12" x 18" construction paper in all colors White copy paper Butcher paper Poster board Paper clips Paper fasteners Scissors for teacher and students Paper punch Cellophane tape Masking tape Stapler Foam core board Bulletin Boards Snowflake border (8581, $2.99) Blue letters (8510, $4.99) Miscellaneous Art Supplies Play-Doh Clear Con-Tact paper Yarn Chenille wires Cotton balls Craft sticks (regular and jumbo size) Lunch-size paper bags 6" and 9" paper plates Premoistened towels Hand sanitizer Ziplock bags Pencils Crayons Black and color felt-tip markers Watercolor paints and brushes Table covers Smocks 5 Explaining Salvation to Primaries The gospel message and plan of salvation are presented frequently in these lessons. Make salvation truths plain when teaching Bible lessons, memory verses, or songs. Use simple terms and concepts. Avoid using symbolic or theological terms that the child cannot understand (e.g., accept Jesus in your heart). Son, Jesus, to die for him. Only Jesus’ blood shed on the cross can cleanse sin (1 Cor. 15:3, 4). 4. When the child believes Jesus died for him personally and receives Jesus as Savior, he becomes one of God’s children (John 1:12). 5. God’s Word assures that then his sins are forgiven, and he has everlasting (lasting forever) life (John 3:36). Each time you explain salvation, stay with one idea or concept. Over a period of time, use different approaches (stories, questions, verses, songs, discussion, books). Use explanations such as belonging to God’s family, being born again, saved, receiving Jesus as Savior, wanting Jesus’ punishment to count for us. Help the children understand that these are different ways of talking about salvation. 6. That moment the Holy Spirit comes to live in him to help him (1 Cor. 6:19). 7. God wants the child to grow spiritually by reading the Bible, praying, going to church, and telling others about Jesus (2 Pet. 3:18). Encourage the child to pray in his own words if he is ready to receive the Lord Jesus. Trust the Holy Spirit to do the work of regeneration. Verses are listed beside each point below, but it is usually best to use only one or two verses with young children. Give each new convert one of each of the following tracts: A Gift for You! or What God’s Word Teaches about Salvation and How to Live the Christian Life. The tracts are available from Regular Baptist Press for $4.99 per package of 50. Or you may want to use the discipleship book Welcome to the Family! (RBP5255, $2.99) with children who make decisions. 1. Show the child he is a sinner; God said so (Rom. 3:23). The child must understand that he was born a sinner. He must know what sin is and be willing to acknowledge it and be sorry for it. 2. Sin must be punished; God’s punishment is eternal death (Rom. 6:23). 3. Because God loves the child, God sent His 6 We Worship God UNIT 1 OVERVIEW Date Lesson Title and Text(s) Bible Verse Lesson Topic Lesson Theme Desired Student Response 12/1 We Worship by Obedience Luke 1:26–56 “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obeying God We worship God when we obey Him. Each student will identify a way to worship God by obeying Him in the week ahead. 12/8 We Worship with Praise Luke 2:1–14 “Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God” (Ps. 147:1). Praising God We worship God when we praise Him. Each student will have several opportunities to praise God because He is great and good. 12/15 We Worship with Adoration Luke 2:15–20 “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matt. 22:37). Adoring God We worship God when we think about Him and love Him. Each student will express his love and thanksgiving to God. 12/22 We Worship by Giving Matthew 2:1–12 “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him” (1 Chron. 16:29). Giving to God We worship God when we give to Him. Each student will identify something he can give to God to show his love for Him. Bulletin Board 81-A1 Cover the board with white backing, and use the snowflake border (available from RBP; 8531, $2.99). Use blue letters (8510, $4.99) to make the caption “WE LEARN TO WORSHIP.” Center the caption in the center of the board as shown in the accompanying sketch. Following the Bible lesson each week, you will add three items from poster 81-A to the bulletin board. Arrange each week’s pieces as shown in the sketch. 81-A3 81-A6 81-A4 81-A2 81-A7 81-A5 81-A9 81-A12 December 1: pictures 81-A1 and 81-A3; wordstrip 81-A2 81-A10 81-A8 December 8: pictures 81-A4 and 81-A6; wordstrip 81-A5 81-A11 December 15: pictures 81-A7 and 81-A9; wordstrip 81-A8 December 22: pictures 81-A10 and 81-A12; wordstrip 81-A11 7 Teaching Resources • Materials for bead craft (see page 26); red ribbon; red and green glitter pens; today’s Sunday paper, including all the store ads; manger (box with straw in it); baby doll wrapped in strips of cloth; costumes or headpieces to playact the nativity scene; two paper plates; two tissue paper hearts (slightly smaller than the plates); fronts of used Christmas cards; heart-shaped template; microphones (optional); index cards (lesson 3) In addition to the teaching resources provided by Regular Baptist Press, you will need the following items to effectively teach the lessons in this unit. • A box with a lid (wrap the lid and box separately in festive Christmas paper); scraps of wrapping paper cut into squares; a big bow for the lid; sentence strip with this definition of worship printed on it: “Worship is praising and loving God because He is great and good”; a bright lamp or trouble light (lesson 1) • Chilled sugar cookie dough (enough for each child to make at least 2 cookies); rolling pin(s) and flour; star cookie cutters; cookie sheets and preheated oven; yellow frosting and plastic knives; telescope (optional); sentence strip definition of “worship” used in lessons 1 and 2 (see left column); large doll; gifts (e.g., perfume bottles, tins, glass containers, wrapped gifts); several small wrapped boxes or festive gift bags; large black trash bag; bold permanent marker; 5 boxes with removable lids (shoe boxes are ideal); Christmas wrapping paper; gifts for the boxes (see page 39); music for “In the Bleak Mid-Winter” (also known as “What Can I Give Him?”) by Christina Rossetti; 3" squares of festive wrapping paper (4 squares per child); small self-adhesive bows (lesson 4) • Supplies to make rhythm instruments (see patterns 81-P08, P09); optional supplies, depending on your situation: Christmas music CDs; music CD from teaching resources; church hymnals; rhythm instruments; piano or keyboard; definition of worship written on sentence strip: “Worship is praising and loving God because He is great and good”; nativity scene figures; Christmas music CD of a large choir singing “Angels We Have Heard on High” (lesson 2) Primary Music CD #1381 To help you easily locate songs once the music CD is in the CD player, we are including this list of the song tracks. The first number is the vocal rendition; the second number is the instrumental rendition. Christmas Songs 1 & 13 Angels We Have Heard on High 2 & 14 Joy to the World Non-Christmas Songs 3 & 15 God Answers Prayer 8 4 & 16 Obedience 5 & 17 Oh, How I Love Jesus 6 & 18 Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow 7 & 19 Praise Him, Praise Him 8 & 20 The Lord’s Prayer 9 & 21 To God Be the Glory 10 & 22 Trust and Obey 11 & 23 We Bring Our Gifts 12 & 24 We Thank You, O Our Father UNIT 2 OVERVIEW We Worship God Together Date Lesson Title and Text(s) Bible Verse Lesson Topic Lesson Theme Desired Student Response 12/29 We Worship in a Special Place 1 Kings 5; 6 “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Ps. 122:1). God’s house God’s house is a special place to worship God. Each student will thank God for the church building where he comes to learn about God and worship Him. 1/5 We Worship God with Music 2 Chronicles 5:1— 7:7 “I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee” (Ps. 144:9). Dedication of the temple God’s people praised Him with music. Each student will participate in worshiping God with songs and instruments. 1/12 We Worship God with Thanksgiving 1 Kings 8:62–66; 2 Chronicles 7:7–11 “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Ps. 100:4). Celebrating the temple God’s people celebrated with thanksgiving. Each student will enjoy a celebration of thanksgiving with the other members of the class. Bulletin Board Remove all the items from the unit 1 bulletin board display except the snowflake border and white backing. Use the letters from the unit 1 display plus additional blue letters to make the caption “WE WORSHIP GOD TOGETHER.” Place the caption at the top of the board just below the border. Center poster 81-B1 below the title. 81-B1 81-B3 Following the Bible lesson each week, you will add two items from poster 81-B to the bulletin board. Arrange each week’s pieces as shown in the sketch at the right. 81-B7 81-B4 81-B2 December 29: wordstrip 81-B2 and picture 81B3 81-B5 81-B6 January 5: wordstrip 81-B4 and picture 81-B5 January 12: wordstrip 81-B6 and picture 81-B7 42 Teaching Resources • Ark of the covenant (lesson 6) If you did not make an ark for the summer quarter 2013, you may want to make one now. Use a copy paper box or a cardboard box about that size. Use long chenille wires to make the loops through which the poles (dowels) are inserted to carry the ark. Form a circle and twist the ends of the wire. Poke four holes in the box, two on each long side. Insert the twisted ends of each wire and push the wire against the inside of the box; tape in place. Obtain two 1" dowel rods, four to six feet long. Insert the rods through the loops on the long sides of the box. Cut a piece of blue fabric to completely drape the box. In addition to the teaching resources provided by Regular Baptist Press, you will need the following items to effectively teach the lessons in this unit. • 3 yardsticks, 3 clipboards, and 3 pencils OR children’s building block sets; yellow play dough (optional); props for role plays (see option 1, page 50) OR construction paper and glue sticks (lesson 5) • Guest instrumentalists and their instruments; sentence strip from lesson 1; set of rhythm instruments—purchased or homemade (optional); “quick trumpets” (see below); church choir director, worship leader, or children’s choir director and hymnals, chorus books, or sheet music OR costumes to role-play the story, instruments, and ark of the covenant (lesson 6) To make “quick trumpets,” cut three, 3-inch slits in the end of a paper towel tube. To make the bell end, cut out the bottom of a small Styrofoam cup and insert the cut end. Tape all the way around. Cover in aluminum foil. When the child makes a “tooting” noise, the aluminum vibrates, making a “brassy” sound. • Necessary supplies for the breakfast potluck or the pancake breakfast (pp. 62, 63); photo of each student, three-hole-punch, ribbon or yarn OR large plastic serving tray, several pieces of toy food, paper plates, cloth napkins and Bibletime costumes, if desired (lesson 7) Ark of the Covenant Quick Trumpet 43 We Pray to God UNIT 3 OVERVIEW Date Lesson Title and Text(s) Bible Verse Lesson Topic Lesson Theme Desired Student Response 1/19 Jesus Teaches about Prayer Matthew 6:5–13; Mark 1:35; Luke 11:1 “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (Matt. 6:9) Prayer Jesus’ followers have a model prayer to follow. Each student will recognize the three parts of prayer and will evidence a growing willingness to pray aloud. 1/26 Praying for Other People Nehemiah 1 “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10). Prayer We can pray for other people. Each student will make a prayer list with the names of several people for whom he can pray. 2/2 Praying for Help Nehemiah 2:1–6 “Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matt. 6:11, 12). Prayer We can ask God to help us anytime. Each student will name times when he needs to ask God to help him. 2/9 Praying When We’ve Sinned Jonah 1—3:5 “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:13). Disobedience and prayer God hears us when we confess our sin. Each student will know how to deal with sin as a believer (if saved) or will consider receiving Christ as Savior (if unsaved). 2/16 Praying When We Are Sick 2 Kings 20:1–11 “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matt. 6:13). Sickness and prayer We can ask God to help us when we are sick. Each student will identify someone he knows who is sick and will pray for that person. 2/23 Praising God in Prayer 1 Chronicles 29:1–20 Review Matthew 6:9–13. Praise We can praise God in our prayer. Each student will recite the Lord’s Prayer as a prayer of praise to God. 68 Bulletin Board Remove all the items from the unit 2 bulletin board display except the backing. Use pattern 81-P25 (hands) to make the border. Print several copies of the pattern, cut out the hands, and place them around the outer edge of the board. Mount poster 81-C1 in the upper left corner of the board as shown in the accompanying sketch. This poster serves as the caption for the board. 81-C1 81-C3 81-C2 81-V12 81-V7 81-C4 81-V8 81-V9 As part of Memorize the Map, each week you will add a picture and a verse visual. 81-C5 81-C6 81-V10 81-V11 January 19: picture 81-C2 and verse visuals 81-V7 and 81-V12 January 26: picture 81-C3 and verse visual 81-V8 February 2: picture 81-C4 and verse visual 81-V9 February 9: picture 81-C5 and verse visual 81V10 oxygen tank, OR guest speaker; Bible-time costumes and props as desired; e.g., oars for the ship, a pillow, a refrigerator box or large dark sheet to act as the fish; any other items that might add to the drama OR bulletin board backing or butcher paper (lesson 11) February 16: picture 81-C6 and verse visual 81-V11 Teaching Resources In addition to the teaching resources provided by Regular Baptist Press, you will need the following items to effectively teach the lessons in this unit. • Magazines, newspaper ads, missionary prayer cards, photos of your pastor, church family, national and local government officials (check the Internet for downloadable pictures) OR white or buff card stock, markers, colored pencils, crayons; people puppets (or dollhouse figures) OR materials to make prayer journals (lesson 8) • Waxed paper, old crayons, manual pencil sharpeners, iron, bath towel to protect table surface, black construction paper OR vegetable or mineral oil and cotton balls; prayer sentence strip from lesson 8 (see page 72); Plasti-Tak (lesson 9) • Cell phone; Styrofoam cups; apple or white grape juice; two serving trays (lesson 10) • Rescue tools; e.g., fire extinguisher, life vest, • Items to care for a sick child; e.g., pillows, stuffed animals, forehead or ear thermometers, wash cloths, blankets, soda crackers and napkins, juice boxes, empty medicine bottles, thick bath or beach towels to use as beds; decorative items (e.g., silk flowers, beads, buttons, sequins, stickers) for get-well cards OR 2 “doctor’s bags” (play medical bags or black purses) and 20 rolled strips of gauze or white fabric to be used as bandages (lesson 12) • Several of your own “favorites”; e.g., book, sweater, ice cream container, candy, color, flower; gold jewelry or coins; silver (utensils or tea service, if available); pieces of lumber; precious stones (craft gems or jewelry); rock to represent marble; bag or box to hold all the building items; long sheet of butcher paper or bulletin board backing; glitter paint, pens, or markers; craft jewels of all sizes, colors, and shapes OR same building supplies used in Explore God’s Word (lesson 13) 69 KJV Lesson 1 • December 1, 2013 We Worship by Obedience Text Luke 1:26–56 Memory Verse “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Topic Obeying God Theme We worship God when we obey Him. Desired Student Response Each student will identify a way to worship God by obeying Him in the week ahead. Teacher Preparation • The Christmas season is a great time of celebration and joy. It is the perfect season to think about worship. Help your students learn the ways God wants us to worship Him as you study the Biblical passages that deal with the Savior’s birth. • Today we will look at Mary. Pay special attention to Luke 1:38, Mary’s response to the angel. How long did it take her to come to that conclusion? Probably only moments. She didn’t say, “Give me a few days to think about it, and I’ll get back to you.” She was ready to obey because she had a heart that loved and worshiped God. er! b m e Re m ar t c e ch n a d n cor d • Atte e r e s r ory ve • M em • Emphasize the connection between the memory verse, John 14:15, and Mary’s response. Obedience is the natural, worshipful response of a heart that loves and honors God. Challenge your students to worship God this week through obedient actions and attitudes. 9 10 Unit1•We Worship God Attendance and Verse Charts As each student arrives, have him put his name on his new attendance chart and put it on the bulletin board or wall. Today he will place a trumpet sticker over number 1. Students may give their offering at this time. Exploration Review Distribute activity page 6 (student book) to each student. Use the exercise as a review of the previous lesson. You can complete the exercise as a class or in pairs; or have the students do it on their own. 1. SCOUT AHEAD (10 minutes) Option 1—Surprise! Materials • A box with a lid (wrap the lid and box separately in festive Christmas paper) • A big bow for the lid • Scraps of wrapping paper cut into squares • CD player and music CD from teaching resources Steps 1. Before class, write several instructions on the squares of gift wrap. Some instructions should be fun; e.g., take a piece of candy from the jar; choose a favorite song to sing; shake hands with a friend; choose a gift from my bag. Some instructions should be tedious or difficult; e.g, dust all the windowsills; sort all the broken crayons out of our crayon box; organize the books on the bookshelf from shortest to tallest. Fold each square and tape it shut. Place all the squares inside the box. 2. Seat the students in a circle as they come to class. 3. Play the music CD as you pass the box around the circle. 4. Stop the music at random. The student holding the box opens the box and chooses a paper. The student must perform the task on the paper. (Some students will need more time to complete their task before returning to the circle. That’s okay; it will illustrate the point.) 5. Continue play. Allow each student to have a turn, if possible. 6. Discuss: How happy were you to obey the instructions on your slip of paper? Why? 7. Transition to the lesson with the following statements: • Your attitudes depended on what you were asked to do. It is so much easier to obey when the task is fun or easy. God asks us to obey Him because we love Him, not because we feel like it. • Today we are beginning a brand-new study about worshiping God. Obedience is part of worship. In our Bible lesson today we will learn about a young woman who worshiped God through her obedience. We Worship by Obedience Lesson 1 11 8. Sing “Obedience” (track 4). 9. Pray. Ask God to help you as you teach. Pray that the students will listen carefully to God’s Word and then obey it. Option 2—Happy to Obey Materials • Pattern 81-P01 (Rate Your Enthusiasm) from resource CD • Crayons Steps 1. Print a copy of pattern 81-P01 for each child. 2. Distribute the copies. Read aloud the code in the box while students follow along. 81-P01 3. Read each sentence together. Tell students to color the number of stars according to how willingly they would obey. 4. Discuss a few sentences. Have students explain why they colored the number of stars they did. 5. Transition to the lesson with the following statements: • Your attitudes depended on what you were asked to do. It is so much easier to obey when the task is fun or easy. God asks us to obey Him because we love Him, not because we feel like it. • Today we are beginning a brand-new study about worshiping God. Obedience is part of worship. In our Bible lesson today we will learn about a young woman who worshiped God through her obedience. 6. Sing “Obedience” (track 4). 7. Pray. Ask God to help you as you teach. Pray that the students will listen carefully to God’s Word and then obey it. 2. EXPLORE GOD’S WORD (25 – 30 minutes) Materials • Teaching picture 81-1 from teaching resources • Sentence strip with this definition of worship printed on it: “Worship is praising and loving God because He is great and good.” • A bright lamp or trouble light • Music CD from teaching resources • Poster pieces 81-A1, 81-A2, 81-A3 from teaching resources Introduction ASK: What is worship? (Allow students to answer. Answers may include praising God, singing to God, praying, going to church.) These are all parts of worship. Have you ever thought about obedience as a way to worship God? 12 Unit 1 • We Worship God (Post the prepared sentence strip and read the definition of worship together.) When we love God, we want to show that love through obedience. Obeying what God tells us in His Word, the Bible, is a way to worship Him. A young woman named Mary knew that. And because she worshiped God with all her heart, she was ready to obey Him. I. The Angel Appears to Mary (Luke 1:26–33) It was an ordinary day. Maybe Mary had been busy helping her mother with the household chores. Perhaps she had been up early to bake a loaf of bread. Maybe she was washing clothes and hanging them out to dry. Mary was a godly young woman, probably about sixteen or seventeen years old. Her parents had taught her to worship, love, and obey God. Maybe Mary hummed a little song to herself as she did her chores. Mary was happy because she was soon to be married to a wonderful man named Joseph. He was a carpenter who lived and worked in the same town, Nazareth. Mary knew that someday she would have a home and family of her own to care for. She looked forward to that day very much. (Turn on the bright lamp.) Suddenly a bright light shown all around Mary. She stopped what she was doing and covered her eyes. She was startled and afraid. She had never seen anything like it! Show me what you would look like if you had just been blinded by a bright, white light. (Pantomime.) READ: Luke 1:26. ASK: What did Mary see? (An angel named Gabriel, sent from God.) ASK: How did the angel greet Mary? READ: Luke 1:28 as if you are the angel. 81-1 (Show picture 81-1.) Mary was confused. She didn’t know what to think! “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. You are going to be the mother of His Son. You will call His name Jesus.” READ: Isaiah 9:6 and 7. ASK: Who wrote this? (The prophet Isaiah.) When? (He wrote hundreds of years before the angel came to Mary.) READ: Luke 1:32 and 33. What do these verses sound like? (The ones in Isaiah.) What does this mean? (Jesus is the promised Messiah.) Mary knew that God had promised to send the Messiah. Even though it had been hundreds of years, the Jews still watched, waited, and wondered when God would send His Son. Certainly each young Jewish girl wondered if she might be the one chosen to be the mother of God’s Son! And now it was happening . . . TO MARY! II. Mary’s Worshipful Submission (Luke 1:34–38) “I don’t understand,” Mary said shyly. “I’m not even married yet. I don’t have a husband. How can all this happen?” “God will send His Holy Spirit to you. He will place His very own Son inside your body. In fact, your cousin Elisabeth, who is old, is going to have a baby boy very soon too.” READ: Luke 1:37. ASK: How could these things happen? (With God, nothing is impossible.) We Worship by Obedience Lesson 1 13 Right then and there Mary made a choice. It was perhaps the hardest choice she would ever have to make. Mary chose to obey. (Use resolute voice.) “All right. I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary to the angel. “Let everything happen to me just as you have said.” And just like that, the angel was gone. What do you think Mary did? (Students respond.) I am sure she sat very still for a few moments and thought about what had just happened. “Me? The mother of God’s Son?” Mary probably questioned quietly to herself. “Amazing!” Even though Mary did not understand how God would do this incredible miracle, she trusted Him and chose to obey Him. III. A Trip to See Elisabeth (Luke 1:39–56) Mary simply couldn’t keep her secret any longer. She just HAD to tell someone! But who? Who would understand? Mary decided to go see her cousin, Elisabeth, the very one of whom the angel had spoken! If anyone would understand God’s amazing power it would be Elisabeth. READ: Luke 1:41. ASK: What happened as soon as Elisabeth heard Mary’s voice? (The baby inside Elisabeth jumped for joy!) Even that tiny baby wanted to worship and praise God for keeping His promise to send a Savior! God allowed His Holy Spirit to tell Elisabeth that Mary was the mother of His Son. Elisabeth was so happy for Mary! Mary could not contain her joy and excitement. She simply had to sing! She simply had to praise and worship God. She worshiped Him first through her obedience, and then Mary worshiped through singing! We do not know the tune of Mary’s song, but God did record the words that she sang. READ: Luke 1:47–49 with joy and great expression. Conclusion Mary did not know the angel would come from God and ask her to do a very difficult but amazing thing. But Mary already knew what true worship was all about. She knew that worship begins in the heart. It is first an attitude and then an action. Read our definition of worship aloud with me. (Point to each word on the sentence strip as you read it with the students.) When we truly love someone, we want to please that person. When we obey God, we are showing our love to Him through our actions. God has told us in His Word exactly how He wants us to live. You can worship God each day with obedient attitudes and actions. Let’s sing like Mary. Let’s tell God we want to worship Him with our obedience too. SING: “Obedience” (track 4) or “Trust and Obey” (track 10). BULLETIN BOARD: Place poster pieces 81-A1, 81-A2, and 81-A3 on the bulletin board. See the sketch on page 7. PRAY: Give each student an opportunity to pray. You may want to pray first. “Dear God, Thank You for Mary and her example of obedience. Help me to worship You by obeying Your Word this week. In Jesus’ name, amen.” 14 Unit1•We Worship God 3. MEMORIZE THE MAP (5 – 10 minutes) Materials • Verse visual 81-V1 from teaching resources • Pattern 81-P02 (verse signs) from resource CD Steps 81-V1 1. Practice the signs on pattern 81-P02 until you feel comfortable demonstrating them. 2. Prepare the verse visuals as described on the visual. Display verse visuals in the pocket chart. 3. Help students find and mark John 14:15 in their own Bibles. Read the verse aloud together. 81-P02 4. Ask: Who is speaking in this verse? (Jesus to His disciples.) When Jesus says, “If you love Me,” does He doubt the disciples’ love for Him? (No.) Jesus is saying, “Since you love Me, I want you to keep My commandments.” What does the word “keep” mean in this verse? Does it mean to “keep it in your top drawer” or “keep it away from your sister”? (No. It means “obey.”) We are going to use these meanings to help us sign this verse. 5. Demonstrate each sign as you recite the words. Sign the word “Because” for the word “If” and the word “obey” for the word “keep.” Let the students mimic your actions and say the words aloud with you. 6. If time allows, encourage groups of students to stand and sign the verse. 4. RELIVE THE ADVENTURE (10 – 15 minutes) Option 1—Worship by Obeying Skits Materials • Memory verse patterns 81-P03—81-P06 from resource CD Steps 81-P03 1. Print verse patterns 81-P03—81-P05 on colored paper. 81-P04 2. Group your students into twos or threes. 3. Explain: We have learned many of God’s commands as we have learned our memory verses. I will show a familiar memory verse. Create a short skit that shows one way you can obey God’s commands this week. 81-P05 81-P06 4. Display one of the verses. Read it aloud together. Give students three or four minutes to develop a skit. We Worship by Obedience Lesson 1 15 5. Let each group perform its skit. Discuss how each group demonstrated worship through obedience. Compliment the groups for their creativity and effort. 6. Continue this process for each verse. 7. Conclude: You can worship God. In fact, God wants you to worship Him. You can worship Him this week by obeying the commands in His Word. Option 2—Worship and Obey Booklet Materials • Pattern 81-P07 (Bible verse booklet) from resource CD • Construction paper • Scissors; glue sticks Steps 1. Give each student a copy of pattern 81-P07 and two sheets of colored construction paper. 2. Students color the illustrations and cut apart all the segments. 81-P07 3. Fold the sheets of construction paper in half, and place one inside the other. 4. On the first page, have students title their booklets “I Worship by Obeying.” 5. Each student matches a verse with the picture that illustrates it and glues each matching pair to a page in his booklet. Review Questions 1. Who was Mary? (An ordinary young Jewish woman.) 2. Who appeared to Mary? (An angel.) 3. What was God’s message? (God had chosen Mary to be the mother of His Son, the Savior.) 4. Why was Mary confused? (She didn’t understand how such a thing could be possible.) 5. What other exciting news did the angel tell Mary? (Her cousin Elisabeth was going to have a baby even though she was old.) 6. How did Mary respond to the angel’s message? (She said she was willing to obey.) 7. Who did Mary visit after the angel’s announcement? (Elisabeth.) 8. What did Elisabeth’s baby do when she heard Mary’s voice? (Jumped for joy!) 9. In what two ways did Mary worship God? (By obeying and by singing praise). 10. What are some commands God has given to you? (Student answers.) 11. How can you obey those commands this week? (Student answers.) 16 Unit1•We Worship God 5. EXPLORE SOME MORE (5 – 10 minutes) Distribute workbook page 5 to the students. Guide the students through the directions and activities. Do as much in class as possible. Send the remainder home and encourage the students to return the page next week for a reward. Concluding the Morning Be sure the students gather all their papers and projects, including today’s issue of God’s Explorers. Say and sign John 14:15 together again. Sing “Obedience” (track 4). If you have beginning piano students in your class, encourage them to come prepared to play a favorite hymn, Christmas carol, or praise song next week. Advance Scout Prepare your heart to teach lesson 2 by reading Teacher Preparation on page 17. Gather the materials you will need for the various parts of the lesson. Contact students who may be able to play the piano next week.