Bible Passage: Acts 16:6–15 (Lydia and Philippi)media1.razorplanet.com/share/510525-7911/siteDocs/TS_4-5_Lydia-Philippi.pdf5–10 minutes Celebrate & Respond Large Group 35–55

© 2012 David C. Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.

The Holy Spirit Leads Us

ScheduleAnticipate

5–10 minutes

Celebrate & RespondLarge Group

35–55 minutes

Respond & BlessSmall Group

20–25 minutes

Bible Passage: Acts 16:6–15 (Lydia and Philippi)

Environment: FAITH COMMUNITYGod designed us to live in community and to experience Him in ways that can only happen in proximity to one another. The faith community serves to create an environment to equip and disciple parents, to celebrate God’s faithfulness, and to bring a richness of worship through tradition and rituals, which offer children an identity. Our love for each other reflects the love we have received from God.

REMEMBER VERSELet the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you

were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

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© 2012 David C. Cook

Jeff GivenTruStory Team

InspireThough it was many years ago, I can still remember it clearly. I’d listed the numerous pros and cons, weighing even the minutest details that could potentially await me at either school. I’d narrowed my decision to two institutions, but after weeks of list-making and reflection, I still had no idea where to go! Because the decision had to be made the following morning, I decided to choose based on whoever called me next—my brother, at Gordon College, or my friend, at George Washington University. A few minutes later, my friend at George Washington called about an economics assignment.

During my first few weeks at George Washington, I realized it wasn’t the place for me. But imagining that others might perceive me as a quitter or a wanderer, I felt uncomfortable about leaving. In the midst of this quiet struggle, I heard a sermon from a man whose story felt incredibly similar to my own. He had experienced the same doubts, concerns, and worries about moving from one coast to another. He discovered that his choice to stay or go wasn’t of colossal importance. The important thing was feeling led by God, making a decision in faith (James 1:5), and trusting God to go with him.

So I packed my things and left for home. Through the wisdom and leading of the Holy Spirit, I ended up on another coast at a new college. When I look back now at the way my time there deeply enhanced my life, and the important, lasting friendships I made, I’m thankful that God’s Spirit went with me then and follows me still.

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EquipThe Holy Spirit established the Philippian church when Paul first visited the city of Philippi, during his second missionary journey. The city held a favored status during this time and was considered a “Rome away from Rome.” Philippi was created by the emperor as a strategic Roman outpost and military colony. It was located on the Via Egnatia, the main route between Rome and Byzantium. The citizens who lived in Philippi were mostly Roman citizens (loyal to Rome) and held Roman political privileges.

When Paul arrived, there must not have been a very large Jewish population in Philippi because he didn’t find a synagogue in the city. Jewish law required ten men for the creation of a synagogue. Though Paul didn’t find a synagogue or a group of Jewish men in Philippi, he did find a group of women. This group included a successful businesswoman named Lydia. This woman not only owned a business in which she manufactured expensive purple dye but also ran a household of many other women. The Holy Spirit spoke to Lydia’s heart, and she received Jesus as her Savior.

This fledgling community of believers (which later became the Philippian church) displayed generosity, love, and joy. The Philippian believers showed their love for Paul by repeatedly ministering to him. They sent him gifts and monetary aid. Unlike many of Paul’s other letters, his letter to the Philippians wasn’t a corrective letter but one in which he declared his love and appreciation for the church and its members.

Even today we can thank God that the Holy Spirit led Paul to Philippi. We can be grateful God led him to a humble group of women and other people. And we can be thankful God used him to start the church in Philippi as an example of a vibrant and joyful faith community for today’s church.

Interesting ConnectionsThe Acts 16 account of Paul’s journey mentions that Paul and his companions were forbidden by the Holy Spirit from “preaching the word” in Asia (v. 6). In this context, Asia doesn’t refer to the continent we know today, but the area of Roman territory to the west of Galatia, including the cities of Sardis, Smyrna, Philadelphia, Laodicea, Pergamum, Thyatira, and others—cities situated today in modern-day Turkey. Interestingly, Lydia (the woman whom Paul and his companions met in Philippi, in the modern country of Greece) was from the city of Thyatira. That makes Lydia the first European convert recorded in Scripture.

For more information about Paul’s journey to Macedonia and Lydia’s conversion, go to: http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/Matthew-Henry/Acts/Paul-Proceeds-Macedonia-Lydia

SourcesJohnson, Brenda M. 2000. “Lydia and Priscilla, Role Models for Today.” Mount Saint Agnes Theological Center for Women. Accessed March 2011. http://www.mountsaintagnes.org/uploadedFiles/Resources/Research_Papers/Lydia%20and%20Priscilla-%20Role%20Models%20for%20Today.pdf.

Laird, Alex. 2008. “Introduction to Philippians.” Unpublished manuscript. PDF file. Accessed March 2011. http://alexlaird.net/content/uploads/2008/05/introductiontophilippians.pdf.

Robb, Sam. 2006. “Principles of Christian Giving Presented in Philippians.” Unpublished manuscript. Microsoft Word file. Accessed March 2011. http://oneparticularharbor.net/sam/wpti/Prison_Epistles/Papers/Christian_Giving.doc.

www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/Matthew-Henry/Acts/Paul-Proceeds-Macedonia-Lydia




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SupportWhen Paul discovered only a small group of women in the large, cosmopolitan city of Philippi, he might have been confused as to why the Holy Spirit had so clearly led him to this place. But we can see through the rest of Acts, and through Paul’s letters to the Philippian church, that the Holy Spirit knew exactly what He was doing when He led Paul and his friends there. The Holy Spirit knew that through Lydia, a Philippian jailer, and their small community, the Philippian church would grow. And He knew that today we would be blessed by the witness and the love of the Philippian church.

This is encouraging because sometimes as ministers we might wonder why we do what we do. We might wonder if God is blessing our efforts. We might become tired of the struggles we deal with interpersonally and the minutiae of our everyday tasks. Many Scripture passages can encourage us in our endeavors, one of which is found in Hebrews:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1–3

What are some other Bible verses or passages that bring hope to you in times of uncertainty? Meditate on them this week.

TruStory Team

ADAM & EVE

SUSEJ

OUR FUTURE WITH JESUS

YOU & ME

TIM

ELIN

E

ABRAHAM

MOSES

JOSHUA

SAMUELHANNAH

KING DAVID

ELIJAHKING AHAB

KING JOSIAH

JEREMIAH

SHADRACH/MESHACH/ABEDNEGO

DANIEL

ESTHER

NEHEMIAH

SIMEON/ANNAZECHARIAH

MARYZACCHAEUS

LYDIACORNELIUS

PHILIP

PAUL

AP

OS

TLES

400 YE

AR

S O

F W

AITIN

G

PETER

JAMESJOHN

Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

With God’s help this can be true. God can, and is, using your life and the group of people in your faith community. Through the Holy Spirit, God can lead you, your ministry, and your faith community to change the world for Him.

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Lesson Overview

N O T E S :

Experience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare (Master Supply List under Resource Tab)

Anticipate//Small Group Check-In

5–10 min.

Encourages interaction among kids, leaders, and parents; engages the kids in curiosity and anticipation of the lesson; and creates an inviting atmosphere.

Paths and Dead Ends• Directions cards (see Resource Folder)• blindfolds• board games with pathways and pitfalls (e.g.,

Chutes and Ladders, Candy Land, etc.)• maze sheet (see Resource Folder)• pencils• optional: painter’s or masking tape

Celebrate//Large Group

20–35 min.

Establishes community and tells stories both personal and biblical in a fun and engaging way.

Traditions • mementos for your church Traditions (rocks,

marbles, gum balls, etc.) • Remember Verse cards, slide, and animation

(see Resource Folder)

Connect Game: Simon Says• Connect Game slide (see Resource Folder)

Connect Game: Follow the Leader• Connect Game slide (see Resource Folder)

The Big God Story • Bible • Timeline slide and animation (see Resource Folder)• blindfold• images: map of Paul’s journeys, Philippi, murex

shell (see Resource Folder)• optional: sheet (for a toga)

Respond//Large Group

15–20min.

Creates space for children to respond to the Holy Spirit in worship and community as a large group.

Letting the Holy Spirit Lead• butcher paper • tape• markers

Respond//Small Group

15–20min.

Discusses truth, reflects on the lesson, engages in relationships, and creates a project or a piece of art individually or together.

Reflect: The Holy Spirit Leads Us• Bibles• questions

Engage: Listening, Following, and RespondingOption 1: Draw and Describe (for Younger and Older Kids)• small cardboard box • small objects (e.g., set of keys, stuffed animal, spoon)• paper, pens

Option 2: Song Lyrics (for Older Kids)• popular, familiar songs• paper, pens, scissors

Bless//Small Group

5 min. Sends the kids out with a sense of peace and blessing so they can be a blessing to their families and others.

• Bible (for the blessing)• HomeFront Weekly (1 per child; see Resource Folder)

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ANTICIPATE | CELEBRATE | RESPOND | BLESS

Anticipate// 5–10 min.

An energizing time for parents and kids to start engaging with the material that will be presented in the lesson.

It is intentionally designed to spark curiosity and cultivate a sense of awe and wonder about God.

Encourage parents to participate in this time with their kids.

Small Group Leaders

SMALL GROUPS E C T I O N

Paths and Dead EndsLead kids through an Anticipate in which they play with the idea of following a path, avoiding dead ends, and listening for directions.

SUPPLIES• Directions cards (see Resource Folder)• blindfolds• board games with pathways and pitfalls (e.g., Chutes and Ladders, Candy Land, etc.)• maze sheet (see Resource Folder)• pencils• optional: painter’s or masking tape

SET UP Before the kids arrive, print out and place the Directions cards in a path along the floor (mixing them up to be as easy or as hard as you choose) OR create a maze with soft objects, such as couch pillows, cardboard boxes, painter’s tape, etc. Print several copies of the maze sheet.

ENGAGEWhen Paul and his companions set out to tell people the good news about Jesus, they followed the path the Holy Spirit led them on. Sometimes this meant they had to turn around and go a different direction! But no matter what direction they were heading, if they were following the Holy Spirit, they were going the right way.

Encourage the kids to pair up and work together to get through the maze. One child will be blindfolded and listening to the directions of the other child. The unblindfolded child will read the directions each time the blindfolded child steps on a Directions card, continuing until the blindfolded child tags every card and reaches the end. Alternatively, the unblindfolded child could direct the blindfolded child through the maze without referring to the cards. She will ask her friend to step around the cardboard box, crawl under the table, etc., until she gets to the end.

While two children at a time utilize the maze, encourage the others to finish the paper maze or play the board games.

Optional: To make this activity more difficult for the older kids, set out more obstacles such as cardboard boxes, chairs, cones, etc., in the path. Also, you could make the path more winding or have it go under a table so the kids have to crawl underneath it, etc.

Partner Church Comments “The maze was a total hit! I think every kid from first through sixth grade participated, multiple times. And that doesn’t happen for us very much.” Mountainbrook Community Church

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Celebrate//20–35 min. Host/Storyteller

LARGE GROUPS E C T I O N


Welcome and TraditionsAfter everyone is gathered as a large group, open with Traditions. During Traditions, you are helping the kids work toward a common goal and giving them mementos to celebrate things like memorizing the Remember Verse, inviting a friend, or bringing their Bibles.

Mementos can be anything, such as rocks, marbles, gum balls, or connecting blocks. Use a clear plastic or glass container to fill so the kids can watch their progress. Or have them contribute to the building of a structure with connecting blocks. If you have multiple services, use separate containers or building stations for each one. Once the kids have been awarded their mementos, direct them to put the mementos into the container or to add them to the building effort. When the common-goal tradition is complete, have a celebration!

ConnectConnect is a time to laugh, play, and enjoy each other’s company. Engaging questions, energizing games, and creative activities encourage the community to get to know each other. Encourage kids to participate in the following activity and connect with someone they might not know yet. (See the Connect Game slides in the Resource Folder.)

Connect Game: Simon SaysTo play, have all the kids stand facing the leader. The leader should begin by saying, “Simon says put your hands on your hips” (or another action). In response, the kids must put their hands on their hips. If they don’t, they’re out. If the leader says, “Put your hands on your hips” without first beginning with “Simon says,” anybody following that direction is out. Play for a couple of minutes or until one child remains in the game. If you have more time (or a smaller group), give the last child in the game a turn at being “Simon.”

Kids get to be a part of the faith community of God’s family.

They participate in traditions and share them with newcomers, connect through fun and interaction, and experience The Big God Story through storytelling.

REMEMBER VERSEThis is a good time to introduce kids to the Remember Verse. As they arrive, open a Bible and read it together if time allows. Remember Verse cards, slide, and animation can be found in the Resource Folder.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

BirthdaysA Common Tradition

Whenever a child in your church has a birthday coming up, ask her to come up front to be sung to and prayed over. Encourage the kids to have fun celebrating the child on her special day by singing loudly and enthusiastically!

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Connect Game: Follow the LeaderTo play, ask for one child volunteer to be the leader, and have the whole group follow her everywhere she goes—like a big snake! Or you might play music and have her do a dance move for 10 seconds while everyone copies her. Then have her choose another volunteer to be the leader after her, and so on, as long as you’d like to play.

Prayer of ReleaseAt the end of Connect, pray a Prayer of Release. This is a time for kids and leaders to pause, be still, and ask God to quiet their hearts and minds. If you would like, encourage kids to hold their hands out in front of them in a spirit of releasing their worries and distractions in order to better receive what the Holy Spirit might have for them. Encourage kids to quiet their voices and take a seat. Then ask them to pray with you.

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The Big God StoryStoryteller

During The Big God Story, the kids will hear about how the Holy Spirit led Paul to Philippi. Though this part of The Big God Story can be delivered verbatim, read it before the lesson so you can personally interact with the material. Share stories from your life, and speak with your own style by varying your intonation and gestures.

The Holy Spirit Leads UsSUPPLIES• Bible • Timeline slide and animation (see Resource Folder)• blindfold• images: map of Paul’s journeys, Philippi, murex shell (see Resource Folder)• optional: sheet (for a toga)

SET UPCue the images. If you’re using the sheet, have it available in the storytelling area.

Before you begin today’s storytelling section, invite a child volunteer onstage and blindfold him. Then point out an object onstage. Tell the kids they need to help the volunteer try to find the object by calling out “hot” or “cold.” The kids can also give the volunteer directions for how to step around obstacles. After the volunteer finds the item, ask him to return to his seat, and explain to the children that today’s part of The Big God Story will be about how the Holy Spirit leads us.

For the past few weeks we’ve been hearing all about how the Holy Spirit led the people of the early church to spread the good news about Jesus and to break down

TipBefore sharing this account of how the Holy Spirit led Paul to Philippi, point out to your kids that what they are about to hear is true and is recorded in the Bible. Open your Bible to the passage and leave it open and visible throughout The Big God Story. Establish a consistent place to keep this Bible every week.

Invite kids to open their Bibles and follow along in Acts 16:6–15 as you storytell. Encourage adult volunteers to keep an eye out for kids who need help finding the Scripture passage, and allow enough time for each child to locate the passage. You may even want to project the reference on a screen or write it in large print on a poster or whiteboard.

Leader TipIn the next five TruStory Lessons (4.5 through 4.9), the kids will go with Paul on his missionary journeys. With the exception of Remember & Celebrate, these lessons are written from Paul’s perspective, so the Storyteller may want to look ahead and plan for optional costuming and props to be used during The Big God Story.

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barriers so everyone could be a part of God’s faith community. Today we’re going to hear more about how the Holy Spirit leads the way for us.

In today’s part of The Big God Story the Holy Spirit led a man named Paul, who was traveling with some other followers of Christ, to a place called Galatia to spread the good news about Jesus (show map of Paul’s journeys). As they traveled, they paid close attention to where the Spirit was leading them so they didn’t get stuck—sort of like the maze you went through in Anticipate!

As Paul traveled, he wanted to go to Asia, which in Paul’s time was an area west of Galatia (point out on map). The Bible says they came to the border of Mysia (MISH-ee-ah) (point out on map), a town in Asia, and tried to enter, “but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to” (Acts 16:7). The Holy Spirit stopped them from going into this area. So Paul and his companions waited for the Holy Spirit to lead them somewhere else. They stopped in a city called Troas (TRO-ahs) to spend the night. And that night the Holy Spirit spoke to Paul in a dream. In the dream a man stood in front of Paul and begged him to come to Macedonia (point out on map). “‘Come over to Macedonia and help us,’” he said (v. 9). (Optional: Ask for a child volunteer, dress him in the sheet like a toga or a tunic, and have him act as the Macedonian—begging for Paul to come.)

The Bible says that after Paul had this dream, he said that “God had called [Paul and his friends] to preach the gospel to them” (v. 10), and they got ready to leave for Macedonia right away. This is important. Does the Bible say the Holy Spirit told Paul to go to Macedonia? No! The Bible says the Holy Spirit gave Paul a dream. Like He often does today, the Holy Spirit spoke to Paul without words, and Paul followed the Holy Spirit’s leading in faith.

After Paul and his friends sailed away from Troas, they arrived in a city called Philippi (point out Paul’s route on the map). Today this city is in the country of Greece. Philippi was a very important city during this time because it was a Roman military town filled with soldiers from the emperor’s wars. It was also very important to the Roman Empire because the people there did a lot of business, and a lot of Roman citizens lived there (show images of Philippi).

So Paul and his friends hung out in Philippi for a few days. On the Sabbath they “went outside the city gate to the river, where [they] expected to find a place of prayer” (v. 13). But instead of finding a group of Jewish men, they found a group of women.

Even though these things might have been surprising for Paul and his friends, they’d been led to Philippi by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. So the Bible says they “sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there” (v. 13b).

The Big God Story

Partner Church Comments “Our Storyteller for this lesson made it very engaging for the kids by bringing in props, which always keeps the kids involved and helps them remember the narrative better.” Good Shepherd Church

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(Optional: Sit among the children as you tell this next part.) Though it was odd during this time for a man to have a long conversation with women, Paul and his friends sat down and talked with the women about Jesus.

One of the women listening to Paul and his friends was named Lydia. This woman sold “purple cloth from the city of Thyatira” (thye-uh-TYE-ruh) (Acts 16:14). (Point out Thyatira on map.) To make this purple cloth, women like Lydia crushed shells called “murex” (show image of murex shell) because the crushed shells leaked a purple color. This process took a lot of hard work! The shells were very hard to find, and crushing them was stinky, difficult, and required a lot of water (which may have been why Paul found Lydia sitting by the river). Because of this, Lydia’s purple dye and the cloth she colored with the dye were expensive. Lydia was probably considered a successful businesswoman.

The Bible says that as Lydia listened to Paul speak about Jesus, just like I’m sitting here speaking to you, “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message” (v. 14), and she came to believe in Jesus as her Savior. Now let’s look at the map (point to the map). Where was Lydia’s town located? Smack-dab in the area where God had told Paul and his friends not to share the good news about Jesus. How amazing is it that God brought Lydia all of the way to Philippi so she could hear about Jesus and the Holy Spirit could open up her heart to believe in Him?!

After Paul left to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to other places, Lydia and the people of her household worked with other new believers to create a new church in Philippi! And we know from Paul’s letters to the Philippian church (in the book of Philippians in the New Testament) that this church was loving, caring, giving, and joyful. They often sent gifts to Paul and encouraged him in his ministry.

Throughout this part of The Big God Story, we can see how the Holy Spirit was actively leading His church. The Holy Spirit is really the main character—guiding Paul and his friends to certain places and certain people. All Paul and his friends had to do was wait on the Holy Spirit, listen to Him, and follow His lead. Because Paul and his friends obediently followed the Holy Spirit, God opened Lydia’s heart to accept His Son as her Savior and, through her story and the stories of other believers, created a beautiful new faith community.

The Holy Spirit is just as alive and active today as He was during the time of Paul. He still leads and guides us. And just as the disciples followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, we too should listen for the Holy Spirit and let Him lead us. We should allow Him to surprise us, just as He did with Paul and his companions (tell a story of a time when the Holy Spirit led you in a surprising way). When we allow ourselves to be led and surprised by the Holy Spirit, God can do great things through us!

The Big God Story

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This is a time for kids to worship through silence, prayer, singing, giving, sharing, thanksgiving, and many other ways.

Make plans for your worship time but prepare yourself and your team to hold them loosely if the Holy Spirit leads the group in a different direction.

Respond// 15–20 min. Host/Worship Leader

LARGE GROUPS E C T I O N

Letting the Holy Spirit LeadSUPPLIES• butcher paper • tape• markers

SET UPTape the butcher paper to a wall and write “The Holy Spirit Leads Us” at the top. Set the markers nearby.

ENGAGEToday we heard about Paul and his friends traveling around telling people the good news about Jesus Christ. However, they only went where the Holy Spirit led them. Though Paul and his friends seemed to have their own plans, they didn’t get ahead of the Spirit but were obedient to wait on Him and hear from Him.

In this part of The Big God Story, the Holy Spirit spoke to Paul in a dream. The Holy Spirit speaks to us in many ways: through Scripture, the words of others, pictures in our minds, dreams, and other ways. In what ways does the Holy Spirit speak to you? (Encourage the kids to answer.)

Today we’re going to spend some time listening to the Holy Spirit like Paul and his friends did. We’re going to ask God to open our hearts to what He wants to say to us, like He opened Lydia’s heart to hear from Him. Let’s spend some time quietly talking to God and opening ourselves up to where He might want to lead us—together as a faith community or individually. Remember, you don’t need to listen for a voice out loud; just pay attention to what you’re feeling in your heart or something you remember from God’s Word.

Open up the time for the kids to listen to what the Holy Spirit might be saying to them. Encourage them to write or draw how they feel on the butcher paper. Leaders, trust the Holy Spirit; even if it feels uncomfortable, let the kids sit a while. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move in their hearts.

IT’S OKAY IF …Help kids understand that God speaks to us in many ways—mostly through His Word, but also through prayer and other ways. Encourage them to ask God for the ability to hear His voice, but also give them the freedom to know that it’s okay if they do not always experience Him in the ways that other people do.

Partner Church Comments “We let them draw on their own pieces of paper instead of using butcher paper. They liked it because they could take [the papers] home.” Impact Christian Church

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Reflect: The Holy Spirit Leads UsThe Holy Spirit led Paul and his friends everywhere they went. And Paul and his friends obediently waited for and followed Him. Because of this, God blessed their efforts and added many people to the faith community. (Leaders: Encourage the kids to open their Bibles and read the suggested passages.)

Questions for Younger Kids• Why couldn’t Paul and his friends share Jesus in Asia? (Acts 16:6–7)• How did Paul hear from the Holy Spirit? (Acts 16:9–10)• How did Paul share the good news with Lydia? (Acts 16:13–14)• What are some ways we can hear from the Holy Spirit? (John 14:25–26; 16:13)• How has the Holy Spirit led you?

Questions for Older Kids• Why didn’t Paul and his friends go to Asia? (Acts 16:6–7)• How did Paul hear from the Holy Spirit? (Acts 16:9–10)• What was the city of Philippi like? (Acts 16:12)• Why do you think the Holy Spirit lead Paul to Philippi? • When Paul went to the river to pray, what did he find there? (Acts 16:13)• How did Paul share the good news with Lydia? (Acts 16:13–14)• What did Lydia do after Paul and his friends left Philippi? (Acts 16:40)• How do we know that the church in Philippi was lively and joyful?

(Philippians 1:25; 2:17–18; 4:15–16)• What are some ways we can hear from the Holy Spirit? (John 14:25–26; 16:13;

1 Corinthians 2:9–13; Ephesians 3:3–5)• How has the Holy Spirit led you?

Engage: Listening, Following, and RespondingSUPPLIESOption 1: Draw and Describe (for Younger and Older Kids)• small cardboard box • small objects (e.g., set of keys, stuffed animal, spoon)• paper, pens

Option 2: Song Lyrics (for Older Kids)• popular, familiar songs• paper, pens, scissors


A time to engage in relationship, reflect on the lesson with spiritual conversation, and/or create a meaningful project or piece of art.

Respond// 15–20 min. Small Group Leaders


Partner Church Comments “For small group, we actually had one of our services do a maze. It gave some different interaction and helped them to understand more about listening.” Good Shepherd Church

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SET UPOption 1: Draw and Describe (for Younger and Older Kids)On a table, put the small items in the box, and set the paper and pens nearby. On another separate table, set out paper and pens.

Option 2: Song Lyrics (for Older Kids)Find some popular songs familiar to your kids, such as oldies, familiar worship songs, etc. Print out the lyrics to these songs and cut them into strips (one lyric line per strip).

ENGAGEOne of the ways Paul and his friends were able to follow the Holy Spirit was simply by listening. Today we talked about some of the ways we can listen for the Holy Spirit to lead. What were some of these ways? (Encourage the kids to answer.) In what other ways does the Holy Spirit speak to us? (Encourage the kids to answer.) Today we’re going to play some listening games.

Option 1: Draw and Describe (for Younger and Older Kids)Ask the kids to pair up. Let them know they have two listening game options. At one table, the kids will use the box filled with objects. Facing away from each other, one child will sit with a piece of paper and a pen while his partner takes an object out of the box and describes it as carefully as she can without giving it away. The child with paper and pen will attempt to draw the object. Encourage the kids to switch places and try other objects, or encourage the kids to work as a larger group—one person explaining the object while the others try to draw it (a good option for younger kids).

At another table, the kids will go on an imaginary journey to a real place. One child describes for her partner how she would travel from her front door to her bedroom. The speaker can get as creative as she wants—describing the hallway, the pictures on the walls, the staircase, the doorknob, etc. The listening partner can either draw the speaker’s directions (a line with right and left turns, like navigating on a map) or simply listen and repeat the directions back to her.

Once the kids have had some time to engage with each other through these listening exercises, call them back together and ask them if they found the exercise easy or difficult. Then talk with them more about listening to the Holy Spirit. It’s not necessarily difficult, but it still takes some effort on the part of the listener. Even so, God loves us so much that He wants to speak to us and lead us. He wants us to know His voice.

Option 2: Song Lyrics (for Older Kids)Form the kids into groups of about three to four. Give each group a set of lyrics for a song, and tell them you’re going to play that song (or a portion of that song). They need to listen closely to the song and arrange the lyrics in the order they’re sung. Then play the song as many times as needed until they can put the lyrics in order.

Resource Tip “Finish the Sentence” activities are available for this lesson. Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users may access this resource on the My Lessons page > Extras > Small Group Enhancements.

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Bless// 5 min. Small Group Leaders


As kids are blessed, tell them they have the opportunity to also be a blessing to others. Encourage them to freely share with others the joy and love they have received from God.

Encourage the kids to hold their hands in front of them, palms up. This posture is meant to symbolize a willingness of heart to respond to God’s Holy Spirit and receive what God has for them. Invite them to remain in this posture as you bless them. Encourage parents to come early in order to read the blessing over their child.

Open your Bible and read 1 Peter 2:9 (NLT): You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

May you know that God loves you and desires for you to find your unique place in His faith community. May you listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit and follow His lead this week and the rest of your life.

A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words of encouragement or guidance.

A blessing can be offered in order to ask God’s Spirit to overflow from the child’s life to bless others or prayed over a child for the purpose of declaring God’s protection, joy, or wisdom.

HomeFront Weekly: Be sure to send home the HomeFront Weekly for next week’s lesson! This preteaching tool for parents encourages families to spend time in God’s Word together before children arrive at church.

HomeFront Monthly: Every four weeks we highlight one of the 10 environments. For each new environment, parents should receive HomeFront Monthly. This resource gives families ideas for how to create fun, spiritually forming times in their homes—setting aside a sacred space for family in the midst of their active, everyday lives!

Leader TipEvery lesson ends with a blessing. This is a time for parents and leaders to speak truth over children’s lives. The idea of the blessing is to transition the child from being blessed to being a blessing.

The blessing can be done in many ways, but the more intentional you are about it, the more powerful it will be. Depending on whether parents are able to join in at this time, you may want them to put their hands on their child’s head or kneel and look him in the eye as they bless him. Leaders, be sure to model how you envision the blessing working in your church so your volunteers and parents become comfortable with it.

Documents

Bible Passage: Acts 16:6–15 (Lydia and Philippi)media1.razorplanet.com/share/510525-7911/siteDocs/TS_4-5_Lydia-Philippi.pdf5–10 minutes Celebrate & Respond Large Group 35–55