Zaccheaus Sunday school lesson and craft!

Lately, my daughters favorite song is "Zaccheaus was a wee little man..." With that, it's been on my mind allot (of course) so it's ended up being a Sunday school lesson recently which turned out quite well. 

For the lesson: Luke 19:1-10 kjv

Zaccheaus was a small stature man so he couldn't see the Lord. Like with kids, sometimes views are blocked. The goal is, don't let anything stop you from seeing the Lord, tho it may be easy to say I can't or I'm not ... Enough, we are to (like Zachaeus did) move ahead and do what we need to do for the Lord. 

Zaccheaus climbed up in a sycamore tree to be able to see. He was NOT a popular man, as a tax collector and a crooked one at that, people didn't like him. However, the Lord past that way and looked up in the tree an told zaccheaus to quickly come down. Jesus was going to go to his house. 

All the people were bothered and talked about Zachaeus was a sinner. Now, zaccheaus was saved tho and said he was going to return what he took from people unmerited, and return it fourfold. Below you can see the craft we did, cut outs, glue and writing captions next to the scenes it shows a brief storyline of the zaccheaus story. Enjoy and God bless. 

Mercy & Truth Sunday School Lesson *Proverbs 3:3-4*

Having the little 4-6 year old class is such fun, such a blessing. This is the latest lesson we did, I am still a few behind on sharing but I wanted to go ahead and share this one.

PROVERBS 3:3-4

"Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man."

Mercy: compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

Truth: the quality or state of being true.

When I did this lesson it was fun talking to the kids about what they view as the truth and what mercy is. Above, I show you the definitions of the words that are good to talk to the kids about. With my age group I like to use stories to incorporate something to their understanding, like telling the truth for example; Ask them if they have ever lied to mommy or daddy, talk to them about maybe an instance of breaking something and then saying they didn't or so on, then explain the correlation/opposites of truth compared to lies, untruth. 

Mercy is harder to bring to their level, but is very important as it is something that we are instructed to live by, with. Talk to them about how they sometimes have to choice to get revenge or be mean to someone because they were mean to them, and how they can and should choose the opposite, kindness, forgiveness. God's mercy for us is by far unexplainable and unimagineable, it is AMAZING, for us as humans it is much harder to have such mercy. 

CRAFT TIME:

The scripture talks about mercy and truth and that you are to "...bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart..." So, I thought it would be fun to make a necklace, simple and fun! 

What you need:

Card stock paper in any color (we used brown) 

Hole punch

Scissors

Markers

Yarn

Cut out a heart for each necklace (write on this or have the child if they are able "Mercy and Truth" and the scripture) and cut out 2 rectangles or ovals, something to tie to either side of the heart. Punch holes in each side of heart and on each side of the heart. Cut 2 small lengths of yarn to tie between heart and rectangle on each side and then one long length of yarn to tie the length that will make the necklace. Let them color or decorate rectangles and heart if they want. DONE!

Enjoy!

 

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together..." Church craft and Sunday school lesson for children

Growing up I was raised in church and I am proud that my husband and I also have the priority of keeping our children in church. Going to church is not only an opportunity given to us, it is something that I believe is taught in the bible to be something that God wants of us. This is something that is about so much more tho than just going because we "should" it is about being surrounded by the people of God, about learning more from Sunday school teachers and the preacher and keeping studying and living or God at the front of our lives and not tucked away in the closet somewhere. Teaching our children this teaches them those things and also that things of God should always be first in our lives rather than the many things that can show up and take over our lives.

Hebrews 10:25

²⁵ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

That one simple verse said it all for what we needed to talk about in class. 

Ask the kids why we come to church?

Here are some talking points, use these to encourage conversation of what each would mean in a "christian" aspect and how we should do these things.

 

-learn

-be together with other believers

-rejoice

-worship

-stay close to God

Also make sure to emphasize the  the "exhorting one another" part, exhorting has a definition of "strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something" this is important because one major part of being a good child of God is encouraging others, making them be better in their own lives by keeping your own faith and supporting theirs. This is such a blessing which comes from being in a close-knit church family, you can count on one another for encouragement in life trials, from medical problems and death or loss all the way to something as simple as having a bad day at work. Also, we can encourage one another to witness, pray, believe, worship, learn and so on. 

Now, craft time!

This turned into one of the classes favorite crafts, it was fun and something they could continue to play with after class too! This craft does take a little more time than the others I have shared for SS Class so plan accordingly.

What you need:

-2 sheets of brown card stock paper

-small piece of tissue paper (any color)

-contact paper cut into 2 even 1.5inch approx. rectangles

-markers

-yellow construction paper

Prep:

Since this would all take a while in the class and I have younger kids I decided to prep some ahead of time.

Fold the brown paper in half width ways and cut a slit in the fold on the bottom going up approx. 1 inch folding the piece that is now freed up on the front and the one on the inside as well (this will serve as the holder for the person). Now, cut the steeple by cutting in around an inch on both sides toward the top (about 2.5 inches down) and then cut to a point at top. Next you will need to cut the doors, this is a little tricky and can be omitted but I think it is a great touch to see the "people" thru the doors. In order to do them you will need to fold in half length ways and cut 2 even slits an inch or a little more apart, then cold width ways and cut the length of the doors between the 2 slits, ta-da! They should be able to open now. Now cut 6 even rectangles out of the brown card stock paper about an inch wide (to be the pews) and cut one small rectangle and a small square (to be the pulpit). Cut the contact paper into the 2 squares and tear off a piece of tissue paper. Now cut a person out of the yellow paper. Put all small pieces into a little snack ziplock to keep it together, do this for each child you plan to have in the class (always do an extra for visitors). 

In class:

Give each child the church template and the bag of small pieces. First, do the windows, tear tiny pieces of tissue to make the "stained glass" and place in the center of the contact paper leaving a little room on edges to stick then place evenly on each side of doors. Glue on the sides only of each flap on the bottom (one on the front and one on the inside too). Write (or let them if they can) "let us go" on the front and "into the house of the Lord" on the inside! Glue the pews into place and the pulpit. Color them black or a darker brown for contrast. Outline the doors and color door knobs, draw a cross on the top of the steeple. And show them the person (to represent themselves) outside the church by placing in the fold of the flap and then inside the church in that fold, opening doors so they can see thru the doors too!

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Shepherd lesson

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Psalm 23

This has always been one of my favorite chapters in the bible so this was fun to do with my little class. Along with this lesson we did a little craft because with little ones that helps so much with driving in the lesson and point, it is fun and it is important too!

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

 We started by talking about a shepherd and what a shepherd did, what a flock was and the relation of these two things to Christ (the shepherd) and the church (the flock). 
       -After talking and letting them participate to understand what you are trying to understand talk to the kids about how God can lead us. Prayer, bible study, going to church, giving us peace, blessings. 
       -"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:" Talk to them about how God, and goodness (blessings) will be with us always!

A short sentiment to talk to the children about listening to God in their own lives and learning to pray for his will and guidance in their trials and good times. 

Now for the craft, all you need is:
1 piece brown card stock (can use regular construction paper if needed)
1 piece green construction paper
1 piece blue construction paper
2 other colors construction paper
Markers


Cut out the staff, and little rectangles for each little part of the verse (we did not put the entire scripture on for the sake of saving space but we wanted to get the highlights) The green paper cut the top to look like grass and the blue cut to look like waves and make sure those get the corresponding parts of the scripture. 

Write the portions on the papers or let the children if they are able and let them glue the pieces together.

Fathers day Sunday school lesson. Tool box card craft.

Sunday School Lesson:

Our heavenly father and our earthly father, Along with a great toolbox card for the kids to give dad as well!

Teaching children about their father can be really fun, same with their mom, they love talking about there parents in the young age groups. 

1 Corinthians 1:3

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

- God is our "heavenly" father. You can talk to the kids about what this means, He is our creator, he cares for us, protects us and loves us. 

Ephesians 6:4

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

-We aren't to pester others, but, to lend a hand to them. Our fathers help us, as they should. 

-FOR BOYS: Learn habits that will help you grow into a Godly father one day to your own kids.

-FOR GIRLS: Learn what are good things, qualities to look for in boys for one day when you look to find your husband.

How is your dad a christian father?

(Let the kids talk, take time to let each of them tell something lovable about their dad)

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it.

CRAFT TIME:

What you need per card- 1 sheet red card stock paper, 1 sheet yellow card stock paper, yellow or black pipe cleaner, marker or pen, scissors, hole punch.

Fold the red card stock in 3's needing one 1.5inch panel and 2 equal panels. (see below) hole punch he top of the card and put thru the pipe cleaner. With the yellow cut out a small piece for the latch area and then cut out a screw driver, wrench, hammer. On the tools I wrote the scriptures we used in the lesson, or you could write qualities they tell you of there dads. HAVE FUN!

Daniel and the Lions Den Sunday School craft and lesson

Daniel and the Lions Den Sunday School craft/lesson

At church I have the amazing blessing of having the 4&5 year old class. What a fun age right?

This age, while so incredibly fun, can be challenging on keeping attention so it has been my mission lately to find crafts and lessons to be fun for them. They always love to glue stuff right? and cut things too (With the help of an adult if need be)? Yep, they love it all, anything they can do and see themselves creating something. 

As I enjoy teaching my class I thought I might start sharing the things they find fun with you all. Excuse the lack of descriptive pictures that I usually share with my post but because this is a Sunday school craft/lesson I either am making the photos before c:lass with the example craft or I am taking them after class. Not able to take pictures during class and teach and that is first priority there.

 This lesson was on Daniel and the lions den. 

Daniel 6:6-23 KJV

6 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

² And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.
³ Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
⁴ Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
⁵ Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
⁶ Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.
⁷ All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
⁸ Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
⁹ Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
¹⁰ Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
¹¹ Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
¹² Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
¹³ Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
¹⁴ Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.
¹⁵ Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.
¹⁶ Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.
¹⁷ And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.
¹⁸ Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
¹⁹ Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
²⁰ And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
²¹ Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
²² My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
²³ Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

This story can be rather harsh to teach given that the lions were intended to eat and kill Daniel and for children that might be a bit scary. This is however, reality in the story so in my class, 4 & 5 year old it is a great opportunity to talk about how our amazing Lord and savior can protect us from anything. 

Point 1- The king favored Daniel of the others and they were envious of him. Talk about things the children may be jealous of in their lives (toys that cost too much, not going to kindergarten, less chores, more allowance etc) and let them relate to understand what these men being envious were feeling. And talk about how that is wrong and we shouldn't be like that.

Point 2- Because they were envious and they did seek revenge by convincing the king to put in place the law of no praying for 30 days. This is something we can also place in the child's minds by talking about how we aren't supposed to be mean or seek revenge with people around us in life just because they got something we wanted or made us mad. 

Point 3- Daniel was told not to pray. It was made a law like a rule a kid would relate to in daily life. Even when told not to pray, Daniel followed the law of the Lord instead and prayed, trusting the Lord. Daniel did not even try to hide, he was not ashamed of his faith.

Point 4- Daniel faced his punishment.  He trusted the Lord as he was thrown in the lions den. We may have to face punishment in this world but we need to ALWAYS follow Christ and his lead in our lives.

Point 5- Daniel was saved. As it says in the scripture an angel shut the lions mouth and after the entire night Daniel was still alive.  The Lord will always protect us even in extreme measures. Children may have a hard time relating to a lions den so we can use things they understand but still relating and bringing back the lesson and the story.

CRAFT TIME:

We made a lion out of a few simple craft supplies.
Supplies per 1 Lion head
-Scissors
-Glue stick or hot glue
-Orange Foam Circle
-Yellow Foam Circle
-2 plastic wiggle eyes
-2 orange pipe cleaners
-3 small white puffy balls

Depending on the age and child you may be able to let them cut the orange circle with instruction but cut little bits that can be uneven but similar in depth around the edges of the orange foam circle. Cut the yellow circle down in size to fit in the center of the orange one and glue into place. Draw the mouth onto the yellow circle and then glue the white balls on with 1 above the other 2 and glue the eyes on too. Cut the pipe cleaners to about 2 inch pieces and glue them on as whiskers. Gluing the fuzzy things can be difficult so either use hot glue or use a LOT of glue stick rubbed on the fuzzy part and on the foam piece. Write select verses on the back as a reminder for the kids of the lesson. The verses I chose were ones at the end when the king saw that Daniel was still alive.