Deep Blue Bible Storybook… · CD-ROM Vocal and instrumental recordings of the songs for each unit, a PowerPoint® presentation of the song lyrics, and printed sheet music with lyrics

www.deepbluekids.com

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800-672-1789 | Cokesbury.comCall your local Community Resource Consultant

Some of your church’s very youngest children can understand the Bible with the help of the Deep Blue Bible Storybook. Written in language children ages 3 to 6 can understand, it includes 146 stories that will help your children learn the books of the Bible and practice beginning Bible skills.

Children love the Deep Blue curriculum characters that are featured in the stories and will look forward to learning prayers and fun songs set to familiar tunes with their Deep Blue friends. Abingdon Press.

9781501815010. Hardcover. $21.99; Cokesbury Price $14.73

Help young children dive deep into God’s story!

Prices subject to change.

Fall 2016—Summer 2017

Vol. 2 • No. 2 • WINTER 2016

EdIToRIal / dEsIgN TEam

Leigh Meekins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .EditorPamela Crosby/Madeline Walls . .Production EditorsMark Foltz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Designer

admINIsTRaTIVE TEam

Neil M . Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PublisherMarjorie M . Pon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Associate Publisher and Editor

Church School PublicationsMary M . Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Design ManagerBrittany Sky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Senior Editor

Children’s Resources

Deep Blue: Older Elementary, Leader’s Guide: An official resource for The

United Methodist Church approved by Discipleship Ministries (General Board of Discipleship) and published

quarterly by Cokesbury, a division of The United Methodist Publishing House,

2222 Rosa L . Parks Blvd ., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988 . Price: $11 .99 .

Copyright © 2016 Cokesbury . All rights reserved . Send address changes to Deep Blue: Older Elementary,

Leader’s Guide, Subscription Services, 2222 Rosa L . Parks Blvd ., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988 or call 800-672-1789 . Printed in the United States of America .

To order copies of this publication, call toll free: 800-672-1789. You may fax your order to 800-445-8189. Telecommunication Device for the Deaf/Telex Telephone: 800-227-4091. Or order online at cokesbury.com. Use your Cokesbury account, American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard.

For information concerning permission to reproduce any material in this publication, write to Rights and Permissions, The United Methodist Publishing House, 2222 Rosa L . Parks Blvd ., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988 . You may fax your request to 615-749-6128 . Or e-mail [email protected] .

Scripture quotations, unless noted otherwise, are from the CEB Deep Blue Kids Bible . Copyright © 2012 by the Common English Bible . All rights reserved . Used by permission . (www.CommonEnglishBible.com)

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25— 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

PACP10041259-01

If you have questions or comments, call toll free: 800-672-1789.

Or e-mail [email protected].

Fall 2016 Winter 2016–17 Spring 2017 Summer 2017UNIT 1: Joseph’s

JourneyUNIT 1: The Stories of

ChristmasUNIT 1: Jesus

Shows LoveUNIT 1: Courageous

Bible People

September 4 Joseph and His Brothers

December 4 Mary’s Story

March 5 To Ten Lepers

June 4 Courageous Disciples

September 11 Joseph in Egypt

December 11 Joseph’s Story

March 12 To Zacchaeus

June 11 Courageous Queen

September 18 Joseph Saves the Day

December 18 Jesus’ Story

March 19 At the Last Supper

June 18 Courageous Friends


Reunited

December 25 Shepherds’ Story

March 26 In the Garden

June 25 Courageous Daniel

UNIT 2: Freedom UNIT 2: Jesus, God’s Son

UNIT 2: Hosanna! UNIT 2: Speakers for God

October 2 The Baby in the Basket

January 1 Search for the King

April 2 Cock-a-doodle-doo!

July 2 Elijah and the Ravens

October 9 The Burning Bush

January 8 Talk With the Teachers

April 9 Hosanna!

July 9 Elijah and the Prophets

October 16 Moses and Pharaoh

January 15 Come to the River

April 16 Alleluia!

July 16 Jonah and the Fish

October 23 Crossing the Sea

January 22 Change the Water

April 23 Come to Breakfast!

July 23 Elisha and the Widow’s Jars

October 30 Songs of Joy

January 29 Born Anew

April 30 Feed My Sheep!

July 30 Elisha and the Servant Girl

UNIT 3: God Provides UNIT 3: The Parables UNIT 3: Peter Rocks! UNIT 3: God Chooses Joshua

November 6 In the Wilderness

February 5 The Sower

May 7 Peter and John

August 6 God Chooses Joshua

November 13 Ten Commandments

February 12 The Good Samaritan

May 14 Peter and Tabitha

August 13 Spies in Canaan

November 20 A House for God

February 19 The Stories of the Lost

May 21 Peter and Cornelius

August 20 Crossing the Jordan

November 27 The Peaceable Kingdom

February 26 The Forgiving Father

May 28 Peter in Prison

August 27 Jericho

Scope sequence

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Winter 2016–2017 deepbluekids.com 1

ContentsWritten by Leigh Meekins

2 Introduction

UNIT 1: The Stories of Christmas 7 December 4 1. Mary’s Story13 December 11 2. Joseph’s Story19 December 18 3. Jesus’ Story25 December 25 4. Shepherds’ Story

UNIT 2: Jesus, God’s Son31 January 1 5. Search for the King37 January 8 6. Talk With the Teachers43 January 15 7. Come to the River49 January 22 8. Change the Water55 January 29 9. Born Anew

UNIT 3: The Parables61 February 5 10. The Sower67 February 12 11. The Good Samaritan73 February 19 12. The Stories of the Lost79 February 26 13. The Forgiving Father

Supplemental Pages85 Mission Project86 Song Lyrics90 Bible Verse Sign Language93 Birthday Card94 Kat’s Letter95 Lectio Divina

Download the new Deep Blue app today! It’s free.

Check out deepbluekids.com to connect with other leaders, download additional content for the quarter, and read weekly articles.

To use the Deep Blue QR codes, you must download a QR Code Reader. There are many free applications available for download in your device’s application app.

Cover Credits: cover design by Phillip Francis, Illustrations by Tim Moen, character designer; Jesse Griffin, 3D artist; Julio Medina, 3D artist; Eric M. Mikula, facial rigging; Christopher Slavic, layout artist. Art/Photo Credits: Shutterstock, Inc.: pp. 11, 17, 18, 23, 24, 30, 35, 42, 47, 53, 54, 71, 72, 77; Ron Benedict Photography: pp. 12, 24, 29, 48, 59, 65, 70; Scott Burroughs/Deborah Wolfe LTD: pp. 36, 41, 66; Diana Magnuson: pp. 90, 91, 92.

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Using These ResourcesLeader’s Guide

Information, activities, and directions for each session divided into four sections:

1. Jump In!Arrival activities to help the children begin thinking about what they will be learning and group-building time to help the children relate to one another

2. Dive DeeperGroup activities for hearing, understanding, and experiencing the Bible story

3. Grow StrongerActivities to encourage application to the children’s lives, including ways to serve others in their own church, community, and mission projects around the world

4. WorshipGroup activities that help learners to remember the Bible stories and verses and worship together Bible Stories & StuffThese take-home pages help the students to dig deeper into the Bible story each week with additional information, a mission emphasis, and opportunities for exploring. Teachers may want to supplement the lesson with information from these weekly sheets.

Kids StuffTwo activities for each lesson that will enable the students to have a deeper grasp of the Bible story through word search and other activities

Class StuffAttendance chart, colorful pictures, games, maps, posters, and other resources to use with the children in the classroom

Deep Blue Adventures AppChildren have fun while learning! The app includes a parental dashboard feature and minigames including Scripture Scramble, Trivia, Breakout, and Rocket Glider. In addition, they will find videos and customizable avatars.

deepbluekids.comFind teacher helps, parent helps, training videos, extra coloring sheets, and more—all free at our website!

QR CodesTo use the Deep Blue QR codes featured on the first page of each session, you must download a QR Code Reader. There are many free applications available for download in your device’s application app.

2 Deep Blue Older Elementary Leader’s Guide

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CD-ROMVocal and instrumental recordings of the songs for each unit, a PowerPoint® presentation of the song lyrics, and printed sheet music with lyrics

The songs marked with an * are not featured in the DVD’s music videos.

1. Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix (theme song)

2. The Songs of the Season

3. Let Them Shine *

4. Down to the River

5. Speak to My Heart

6. When Will We Learn to Love? *

DVDThe DVD contains

• thirteen episodes that tell the Bible story in 3-D and 2-D animation

• monthly Bible verse videos that help the children learn the Bible verses

• four music videos with brand-new music written by award-winning musician Dennis Scott

• a unit Bible quiz to review each quarter’s Bible stories with the children

Deep Blue Kids BibleKids will dive deep into God’s Word with the CEB Deep Blue Kids Bible. This engaging, interactive Bible offers four-color icons and illustrations throughout with a wealth of notes, devotionals, Bible trivia, and other interactive elements to capture inquisitive young minds. Plus, the CEB Deep Blue Kids Bible will encourage a thirst for God’s timeless message as young readers join three lifelike kids in discovering the Bible and what it means to their lives.

NOTE: Websites are constantly changing. Although the websites recommended in this resource were checked at the time this unit was developed, we recommend that you double-check all sites to verify that they are still live and that they are still suitable for children before doing the activity.


Deep Blue Kids Older Elementary resources are available in Braille on request.

Contact:

Braille Ministry

c/o Donna Veigel

10810 N. 91st Avenue #96

Peoria, AZ 85345

(623-979-7552)

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What Children Need to Know

Ages 9–10

For developing faith foundations, children need

For knowing the Bible & our faith traditions, children need

For relating to God & the church, children need

For relating faith to daily living, children need

• to read the Scriptures from the Bible.

• to have time for prayer as an individual and with the group.

• to have time to ask questions about their faith and what others believe.

• to witness adults practicing their faith through prayer, study, and service.

• to claim the faith as their own.

• to read the Bible and participate in Bible study.

• to practice the traditions of the church such as worship and Communion.

• to be able to recite the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostles’ Creed.

• to have time to interpret the Bible stories.

• to be included in the corporate community of faith for worship, study, and service.

• to learn to pray aloud and with others.

• to be included in the stewardship of the congregation and be taught to set aside gifts for God.

• to begin to take on leadership roles that are age appropriate

• to have accepting adults who are willing to hear their many questions about God, life, death, and crises.

• to be encouraged to ask questions about Scripture and traditions.

• to have opportunities to be in service to others.

• to be encouraged to think about others and their needs.

• to participate in praying for others and situations around the community and the world.

• to use Sunday school take-home items as reminders during the week.

• to be encouraged to answer questions of wonder in considering the Scripture each week.

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We’re glad you’re here to dive deep with us into God’s Word. We’ll have adventures, hear exciting Bible stories, and learn how to live as disciples of Jesus. The Bible is more than just a big book.

It’s a gift to us. The Bible is meant to be opened, explored, and enjoyed. With Deep Blue, we’ll open our Bibles and learn more about God, Jesus, faith, and how it all fits together into life today.

Meet the Deep Blue Crew!The Deep Blue Kids—Asia, Edgar,

Kat, and Caleb—will lead the children through the Bible using animated videos that tell the story. The student resources and the Deep Blue Kids Bible are colorful and engaging, encouraging the children to “dive deeper” into the Bible and explore their faith in fun and age-appropriate ways.

Hi! My name is Asia , and I love to talk. Well, not just talk. Communicate. Report on what I see. Friends think I might make it on TV one day, but for now, I’m just happy to document all the great

discoveries we will make in Deep Blue.

Hello. I’m pleased to meet you. My name is Edgar , and I’m

always trying to figure things out. Some people say I’m too curious, but I just need to understand things. One of my favorite

things to do is figure out how to get somewhere and then investigate

everything I find in that new place. Join me and the rest of the Deep Blue

Crew on our Deep Blue adventures.

My name is Kat . I LOVE adventure, and I’ll bet you do too! We’re going to have so much fun in Deep Blue. There’s so much to discover and explore about the Bible and what the Bible has to say to us today. The most fun part is that we’ll be doing it together!

I’m Caleb . I’m a little shy when I first meet people I don’t know, but

I’m sure I’ll like you. I really care about animals, and I usually carry my pet turtle, Speedy, in my coat pocket. I just moved to town to live in the lighthouse with my mother and

stepfather, and I’m excited to join the Deep Blue Crew!

In Deep Blue , children will make Bible stories, Bible people, and Bible passages a part of their lives. The children will come to know the Bible as THEIR book and find

ways to let the Bible speak to them today.

Deep Blue is a comprehensive Bible study for children, incorporating the pillar stories of the Old and New Testaments. Deep Blue incorporates

Bible stories, science activities, arts and crafts, animated video storytelling, and active games

into a lived-faith experience that will help children discover what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ today!

Welcome to Deep BlueIn the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.

Luke 1:47

Where Kids Dive Deep Into the Bible

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Supplies Wherever your Sunday school class gathers—in

the back of the sanctuary, a small room, the pastor’s office, the kitchen, or even a hallway—there are some basic supplies you will need to have available almost every Sunday. The ideal situation is to collect the basic supplies you think you will need and keep them accessible every Sunday.

Choose the activities you will use, and provide what will be needed for just that unit. Or, if you need to, collect supplies for one lesson at a time. You may want to make a wish list of the supplies you will need for the whole unit. Members of your church will be happy to know how they can support the children in the church.

The Basics• Bibles• scissors • markers• crayons, colored pencils• pencils and pens• construction paper• drawing paper• tissue paper• glue and glue sticks• stapler and staples

• yarn• paper punch• masking tape• rubber bands• paper clips • string• craft sticks• a hymnal• mural paper• paper cups and plates

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Winter 2016–17 • Session 1 deepbluekids.com 7Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Mary’s StoryBible Verse

A child is born to us. Isaiah 9:6

Did You Know?

Our Scripture story today continues our journey toward the birth of Jesus. Here, Mary is told that she will have a son, yet Mary is not married. She is betrothed to

Joseph. This means that she is engaged—all but married to Joseph. The marriage is sealed, but the ceremony has not happened.

When Mary received the visit from the angel, she was really surprised and confused. Mary knew of the prophets’ foretelling of the Messiah. She was raised to be an obedient Jew, a follower of God. Additionally, Mary would have been only about 13 years old at this point. She had not left her family home and was ready to create her own home and family.

Today is also the second Sunday in Advent. Advent is the season of waiting, a season of expectations. Mary began waiting when the angel told her she would be the mother to the Messiah. Each Advent, we wait for the birth of the Messiah as well.

As you explore this Scripture with your group today, consider that they are all nearing the age Mary would have been when she was betrothed to Joseph. The children may not understand how Mary could be engaged at that age. Additionally, you may want to explore what it means to wait with your class. For Older Elementary children, waiting is very difficult. They are not as impatient as they have been, but still, waiting is difficult.

For more Bible background information go to deepbluekids.com.

SESSION 1December 4

Bible StoryLuke 1:26-38, 46-47

Anchor Point We celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Your Lessonq Jump In!

Welcome

q Jump In! Mary

q Jump In! Mary and the Angel

q Jump In! The Bible Verse

q Dive Deeper Deep Blue Bible Adventure

q Dive Deeper Mary’s Story

q Grow Stronger Jesse Tree

q Grow Stronger Advent Door Hanger

q Worship Prayer and Praise

q Worship Bible Stories & Stuff

Requires preparation.

The Deep Blue Crew is waiting to hang out with you!Scan this QR code to download the Deep Blue Kids App.Or visit deepbluekids.com.

8 Deep Blue Older Elementary Leader’s Guide • December 4

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Jump In!After welcoming the children, lead them into the Bible story with the following activities.

WeLcOmeSupplies: class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, cD-ROm, CD player, offering basket

Hang the “Attendance Chart” (pp. 2 & 31).• Play “The Songs of the Season” (CD-ROM) as the children are arriving.

• Welcome the children, and ask them to record their attendance and place any offering in the basket.

mA RYSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 3, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Mary” (p. 3) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle”

mA RY A nD t he AngeLSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 4, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Mary and the Angel” (p. 4) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to untangle the words.

t h e Bi BLe V eRSe Supplies: class Stuff—pp. 4 & 29, pp. 14 & 19

• Show the children the “December Bible Verse Poster” (pp. 4 & 29). Read the verse together.

• Teach the children the signs on the “December Bible Verse Signs” poster (pp. 14 & 19). Have the children sign and say the Bible verse with you several times.

Dive Deeper DeeP BLu e BiBLe ADVentuReSupplies: Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook, DVD, DVD player, television or projector and screen

• Using the Songbook, sing the theme song, “Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix” (DVD) with the kids on the DVD.

SAY: As Caleb, Kat, and Edgar are playing catch with Indigo, Asia comes announcing she has good news. Let’s watch as the kids learn more about good news.

• Show the children the Deep Blue Bible Adventure (DVD) for today’s session.

• TIP •As you begin the lesson, please notice that the Bible Stories & Stuff handout for the day has interesting articles, the story, and activities for the children. This can be incorporated into your lesson, if you desire additional information. Remind the children to take their sheets home, and to encourage their families to participate in the readings and activities.


• TIP •You may want to make a door hanger for your classroom, if you can leave it up during the Advent season.

m ARY ’S StORYSupplies: Bibles

SAY: Our Bible story today is from Luke 1:26-38, 46-47. This story tells us about Mary. Let’s read the story aloud.

ASK: How do you think Mary felt when the angel Gabriel appeared to her? I wonder how you might feel if an angel of God appeared to you. How do you think Mary felt when she was told that she would have a baby? I wonder if you would be willing to listen to God and do what God asked.

Grow StrongerJeSSe tReeSupplies: Bibles, Leader’s guide—p. 11, flat felt circles, construction paper, paper punch, markers, branch, vase for the branch, string or ribbon

Photocopy “Jesse Tree” (p. 11) and pre-cut the felt circles. Gather all the supplies available for creating the ornaments.

SAY: This Advent we are following the readings of the Jesse Tree. Each Sunday, we will work on about eight of the ornaments and talk about symbols and what they mean in the story of Jesus. The Jesse Tree readings begin at Creation and end with the birth of Jesus. You may take home your ornaments each week, and share the stories with your family and friends. By Christmas, we will have all the ornaments made and you will be ready to celebrate Jesus.

• Place the branch in the vase and make one set of Jesse Tree ornaments for a tree in your area, to be hung each week, using the felt circles and the markers. Hang one set of the Jesse Tree ornaments on the branch.

If you have the branch already from the Jesse Tree activity from the last session of Fall 2016, you do not need to do this again.

ADVe n t D OOR h A ngeRSupplies: Leader’s guide—p. 12, construction paper; Christmas wrapping paper; cinnamon sticks; variety of evergreen sprigs such as yew, cypress, pine, balsam, boxwood, and so forth; stapler and staples; tape; scissors; ribbon

Make copies of the “Advent Door Hanger” instructions. Gather all the supplies for each child.

SAY: Door hangers are typically used to decorate homes during the Advent and Christmas season. They often help us know who celebrates the season and who prepares to welcome the baby Jesus. Cinnamon and evergreen sprigs are fragrant. During Advent, the evergreens represent the life of Jesus in all of us. Today, we are going to make a door hanger of cinnamon and evergreens to add to our decorations and preparations for Christmas.



Worship PR AY eR A nD PRAiSeSupplies: Bibles; Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook; class Stuff—pp. 10 & 23; DVD; DVD player; television or projector and screen; worship table; fabric to cover table; cross; Advent wreath with 4 purple candles, lighter

Hang the “Advent Wreath” (p. 10) and the “Advent Readings” (p. 23).

• Invite the children to gather around the worship center while you play this month’s song, “The Songs of the Season” (CD). Using the Songbook, encourage the children to sing along.

SAY: Today is the second Sunday of Advent. The color for Advent is purple. We also have an Advent wreath on our worship table. Today we will light our first, second, and third candles. (Light the candles.) The third candle is the candle of love. We know love through Jesus each and every day. Our Advent Reading poster is up so we can use this responsive reading.

We lit our second candle for Advent. We have a picture of an Advent Wreath in our room helping us remember to focus on preparing for the birth of Jesus. Let’s close in prayer.

PRAY: Gracious God, we pray for your love. May we know how to love others because you love us. Amen.

SAY: Take home your Bible Stories & Stuff. There are activities for you to dig deeper into today’s Scripture.

• Give each child a copy of Bible Stories & Stuff—Session 1.

.


Jesse TreeOrnament and Readings for Advent

Create the ornaments for each of the following days. Draw the symbol indicated in the Scripture references. Take home the ornaments and the readings. Read your readings each day with your family.

Day 8, Exodus 21:15-18; 20:1-20 Symbol: tablet with numberDay 9, Numbers 13:1-2, 17-23, 27 Symbol: a cluster of grapesDay 10, Ruth 1:16, 2:5-17 Symbol: sheaf of wheatDay 11, 1 Samuel 16:1, 13, 17:1-9 Symbol: slingshotDay 12, 2 Kings 23:1-3 Symbol: scrollDay 13, Isaiah 11:1-5 Symbol: stump with fresh shoot or leafDay 14, Isaiah 11:6-10 Symbol: lion and lamb



Advent Door Hanger

Supplies: construction paper; Christmas wrapping paper cut into wide strips; cinnamon sticks; variety of evergreen sprigs such as yew, cypress, pine, balsam, or boxwood; stapler and staples; tape; scissors; sewing ribbon, curly wrapping ribbon

Instructions:

• Create a cone by cutting a triangle out of the construction paper. Make the point flat. Roll the triangle into a cone shape and tape or staple the two sides together at the top to hold its shape.

• Decorate your cone by adding one or more strips of Christmas wrapping paper and taping or stapling it to the cone.

• Cut the sewing ribbon about 16 inches long and staple the ribbon on the right and left upper part of the opening of the cone. In place of ribbon, you could also use a 14- to 16-inch strip of construction paper about 2 inches wide.

• Once the cone is decorated with the Christmas wrapping paper and ribbon for hanging, stuff the cone with crushed tissue paper in the toe, leaving space to stick in some evergreen sprigs and cinnamon sticks.

• Finish by tucking in some curly ribbon to make your Advent cone look more festive. You could also add small trinkets, such as small lightweight Christmas ornaments, if you like.


Joseph’s StoryBible Verse


Did You Know?

Joseph is engaged to Mary. They are ready to begin building their own family and home. Mary has announced to Joseph that she is going to have a baby and, because

of that, Joseph is not ready to get married. He is righteous and wants to do what is right for Mary and for himself.

Joseph gets a visit from the angel, the same angel who visited with Mary. Joseph’s experience with the angel happens while he is sleeping. The angel tells Joseph that the baby is a special baby, and to name the baby Jesus. Joseph is obedient to God and does not break up with Mary.

Joseph’s commitment to proceed with the marriage is a righteous act. He knows that God has blessed this child, and that the child will be the Messiah. Joseph is not sure what this really means, but he is obedient to God.

Additionally, Joseph is from the family line of King David. He has heard of the prophets’ foretelling that the Messiah will be from the family of David. It is because of Joseph that Jesus will be tied to the royal family.

Children this age understand what it means to be obedient to their parents and families. They are just beginning to understand the obedience to God. Help them to explore how Joseph listened to God and did what God asked. Today is also the third Sunday of Advent. The waiting continues and we are getting closer to the birth of the Messiah.

For more Bible background information, go to deepbluekids.com.

SESSION 2December 11

Bible StoryMatthew 1:18-24



Welcome

q Jump In! Joseph

q Jump In! The Dream



q Dive Deeper Joseph’s Story


q Grow Stronger Dreams Game

q Grow Stronger Mandala Advent Candle




Sing along with the music videos on the Deep Blue Adventure DVD!

Scan this QR code to see Deep Blue Kids DVD and CD selections. Or just visit deepbluekids.comto discover more.




WeLcomeSupplies: class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, cD-Rom, CD player, offering basket

Hang the “Attendance Chart” (pp. 2 & 31).

• Play “The Songs of the Season” (CD-ROM) as the children are arriving.


J oSePhSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 5, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Joseph” (p. 5) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

T h e DR eA mSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 6, pens or pencils

• Hand out “The Dream” (p. 6) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

T h e Bi BLe VeRSe Supplies: class Stuff—pp. 4 & 29, pp. 14 & 19



Dive Deeper DeeP BLu e BiBLe ADVenTuReSupplies: Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook, DVD, DVD player, television or projector and screen


SAY: The kids are on the dock fishing today and Edgar has fallen asleep. When Edgar is awakened Kat tells him he may see an angel in his dreams. Watch as Kat, Caleb, Asia, and Edgar learn more about angels and dreams.


• TIP •The puzzles at the beginning of the session are designed to be part of the gathering time. Proceed with your lesson when the majority of your children have arrived. If the children have not finished the puzzles, encourage them to take the puzzles home to complete.


• TIP •Play this game as long as you have time to play.

JoSe P h’S STo RYSupplies: Bibles

SAY: Our reading today is from Matthew 1:26-38, 46-47. As we read the story, let’s have a few people mime the actions of the different characters and the actions of the story. We have two main characters, Joseph and the angel. Who will be Joseph and who will be the angel? Now, let’s hear the story. (Give time during the reading for the children to mime the actions.)

ASK: How do you think you would have felt if you had been Joseph? I wonder what it would have been like to prepare to marry someone in those days. I wonder what it was like to an angel speaking to you in a dream? I wonder if angels appear to people today.

Grow StrongerJeSSe TReeSupplies: Bibles, Leader’s Guide—p. 17, flat felt circles, construction paper, paper punch, markers, branch, vase for the branch, string or ribbon



• Place the branch in the vase and make one set of Jesse Tree ornaments for a tree in your area, to be hung each week, using the felt circles and the markers. Hang one set of the Jesse Tree ornaments on the branch.

D ReAm S GAm e

SAY: Dreams are ways that God communicates with people. An angel of God visited Joseph in his dream. The angel told Joseph to honor his engagement to Mary. We are going to play a game called Dreams. One person will be the angel in Joseph’s dream. The angel will make motions such as scratch his or her head or stand on one foot. Everyone else will have to follow the motions. The catch is you cannot speak. If you make a noise or miss an motion, you are out. The next angel is the last person standing.

m AnDAL A ADVenT cA nDLeSupplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 18, crayons or colored pencils

Photocopy “Mandala Advent Candle” (p. 18).



SAY: You are invited to color in the Mandala Advent Candle. Mandalas are symbolic designs that help us focus on God. While you color your mandala, consider how God is working and giving you direction in your life.

Worship PR AY eR A nD PRAiSeSupplies: Bibles; Bible Stories & Stuff —Songbook; class Stuff—p. 10, p. 23; DVD; DVD player; television or projector and screen; worship table; fabric to cover table; cross; Advent wreath with 4 purple candles, lighter



SAY: Today is the third Sunday of Advent. The color for Advent is purple. We have an Advent wreath on our worship table. Today, we will light our first, second, and third candles. (Light the candles. ) The third candle is the candle of joy. We know joy through Jesus each and every day. Our Advent Reading poster is up, so we will use this responsive reading.

We lit our third candle for Advent. We have a picture of an Advent wreath in our room, helping us remember to focus on preparing for the birth of Jesus. Let’s close in prayer.



• Give each child a copy of the Bible Stories & Stuff—Session 2.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 2 deepbluekids.com 17


Create the ornaments for each of the following days. Draw the symbol indicated and take home the ornaments and readings. Share your readings each day with your family.

Day 15, Isaiah 9:6-7 Symbol: a dove and crownDay 16, Isaiah 40:11 Symbol: lamb and staff

Day 17, Isaiah 53 Symbol: crossDay 18, Jeremiah 31:31-34 Symbol: heart with writingDay 19, Luke 2:4-7 Symbol: house with starDay 20, Daniel: 3:19-29 Symbol: fiery furnaceDay 21, Nehemiah 1:3 Symbol: brick wall




Mandala Advent Candle

A mandala is a symbolic design that helps people focus on God and the presence of God around them. Here is a mandala Advent candle. Take time to color the intricate design. Several copies of this candle can be made for each child to add to her or his own Advent wreath.

Winter 2016-17 • Session 3 deepbluekids.com 19Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Jesus’ StoryBible Verse


Did You Know?

It is not Christmas yet, but we are exploring the story of Jesus’ birth today, on this fourth Sunday of Advent. Some of the children will not be with you on Christmas

Sunday, so enjoy today’s story and emphasize that we celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25, Christmas Day.

The Scripture story today tells of Jesus’ birth. Mary and Joseph must travel from Galilee to Jerusalem to be included in the census. When they arrive in Jerusalem it is time for Mary to have the baby. There are many different speculations as to why there was not a place for Mary and Joseph to stay in Jerusalem. Some say there were too many people, that Mary was pregnant and, therefore, ritually unclean, so she would not be allowed in the house with all the ritually clean people. Another speculation is that the stable really was a kitchen area that allowed Mary and Joseph to be near the family who owned the stable, but not to interact with them. No matter the speculation of why Jesus was born in such a humble setting, the importance is that Jesus—the King of Kings—was born in a setting that is nothing like the royal palace of a king. Jesus was the Messiah for all the people, not just for a particular people.

Help the children who are present today celebrate Jesus’ birth. Jesus was the Messiah and was born to bring the good news of God’s love to all the people. They may remind you several times that today is not Christmas. Remind the children that the celebration of the birth of Jesus happens every day.



Bible StoryLuke 2:1-7



Welcome

q Jump In! Jesus

q Jump In! The Manger



q Dive Deeper Jesus’ Story


q Grow Stronger Symbols of Advent Game




Check out all of the free resources for teachers!

Scan this QR code—go directly to the Free Stuff for Teachers page. Or visit deepbluekids.com.





Hang the “Attendance Chart” (pp. 2 & 31).• Play “The Songs of the Season” (CD-ROM) as the children are arriving.


J eSu SSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 7, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Jesus” (p. 7) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

T h e mA ngeRSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 8, pens or pencils

• Hand out “The Manger” (p. 8) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

T h e BI BLe V eRSe Supplies: class Stuff—pp. 4 &2 9, pp. 14 & 19



Dive Deeper DeeP BLu e BIBLe ADVenTuReSupplies: Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook, DVD, DVD player, television or projector and screen


SAY: As Kat, Edgar, Asia, and Caleb prepare for a picnic they learn about checklists today. Let’s watch.


• TIP •Take time each week to greet the children as they arrive. This will help you develop a relationship with them and the children will know that they are an important part of Sunday school.


JeSu S ’ STo RYSupplies: Bibles

SAY: Our reading today is the story of Jesus’ birth, from Luke 2:1-7. Let’s read this story together.

ASK: How did you feel hearing this story? I wonder what it would have been like to travel to another town just to be counted. I wonder what it was like to be in that stable that night. I wonder if you and I would be amazed to see Jesus.

Grow StrongerJeSSe TReeSupplies: Bibles, Leader’s guide—p. 23, flat felt circles, construction paper, paper punch, markers, branch, vase for the branch, string or ribbon



• Place the branch in the vase and make one set of Jesse Tree ornaments for a tree in your area, to be hung each week, using the felt circles and markers. Hang one set of the Jesse Tree ornaments on the branch.

SYm B o L S o f A DV enT gA meSupplies: Leader’s guide—p. 24, markers, tape

Cut out the “Symbols of Christmas Cube” (p. 24). Write one of each the following words on each side of the cube: star, angel, dream, manger, donkey, baby. Assemble the cube.

SAY: We are going to play a game. Our game is called the Symbols of Advent. The idea of the game is to act out the word at the top of the cube after it is rolled. Roll the cube. Then when it stops, do your best imitation of what is on the top of the cube. For example, if the cube stops on a manger, how would you act if you were a manger. We will play for several rounds hoping that everyone gets to act out all the different images.

• If you would like to copy the Symbols of Christmas cube for each child, then you can ask them to draw the objects and play the Symbols of Advent game in groups of 3 or more.



Worship PR AY eR A nD PRAISeSupplies: Bibles; Bible Stories & Stuff —Songbook; class Stuff—p. 10, p. 23; DVD; DVD player; television or projector and screen; worship table; fabric to cover table; cross; Advent wreath with 4 purple candles; lighter



SAY: Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. The color for Advent is purple. We have an Advent wreath on our worship table. Today, we will light our first, second, third, and fourth candles. (Light the candles.) The fourth candle is the candle of peace. We know peace through Jesus each and every day. Our Advent Readings poster is up, so we will use this responsive reading.

Our fourth candle for Advent is lighted. We have a picture of an Advent wreath to help us remember to focus on preparing for the birth of Jesus. Let’s close in prayer.




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Create the ornaments for each of the following days. Draw the symbol indicated and take home the ornaments and readings. Share your readings each day with your family.

Day 22, Matthew 2:1-12 Symbol: star Day 23, Luke 1:26-38 Symbol: candle Day 24, Luke 2:8-14 Symbol: angel Day 25, Luke 2:1-7 Symbol: manger

Day 26, Luke 2:15-20 Symbol: staff Day 27, Matthew 2:1-12 Symbol: gift Day 28, John 3: 16-18 Symbol: you



Symbols of Christmas Cube

Shepherds’ StoryBible Verse


Did You Know?

Merry Christmas! Today is Christmas Day, and the white center candle of the Advent wreath is lighted. Our Scripture story today helps us celebrate the birth

of Jesus, the Messiah.

In today’s story, the shepherds are being told of the birth of Jesus. In the days of Jesus, shepherds were not liked very well. To protect their sheep, they live with their sheep out in the open fields. This means the shepherds mostly were stinky and dirty. Some shepherds had a reputation for being shiftless and dishonest people. Most people did not want the shepherds around. So why are they the first ones to hear about Jesus? The shepherds represent the lost, the lowly, and the outcast. And Jesus comes to share the good news of God’s love with them.

Remember, today is Christmas and the class will be focused on what they have received for Christmas. This is a great starting point to remind the children that the best gift is Jesus. Jesus was born a baby and placed in a manger. Jesus shares God’s love with all of us.






Welcome

q Jump In! Shepherds

q Jump In! In the Field



q Dive Deeper The Shepherds’ Story

q Grow Stronger! Starry Night Luminaries

q Grow Stronger! Star Window Stickies




Use these tools to spread the word about your ministry!

Scan this QR code—go directly to the Free Logos and Images page. Or visit deepbluekids.com to discover all of the tools you can use to promote your ministry.






WeLcoMeSupplies: class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, cD-RoM, CD player, offering basket

Hang the “Attendance Chart” (pp. 2 & 31). • Play “The Songs of the Season” (CD-ROM) as the children are arriving.


Sh ePh eR DSSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 9 pens or pencils

• Hand out “Shepherds” (p. 9) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

I n t h e FI eLDSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 10, pens or pencils

• Hand out “In the Field” (p. 10) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

t h e BI BLe V eRSe Supplies: class Stuff—pp. 4 & 29, pp. 14 & 19


• Teach the children the signs on the “December Bible Verse Signs” poster (p. 14 &19). Have the children sign and say the Bible verse with you several times.

Dive Deeper DeeP BLu e BIBLe ADVentuReSupplies: Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook, DVD, DVD player, television or projector and screen


SAY: Today Edgar, Caleb, Asia, and Kat learn about shepherds. Let’s watch.


• TIP •Today is the last day of the unit. You will find a review on the DVD. Incorporate this into your session, if you have time.


the ShePheRDS’ StoRYSupplies: Bibles

SAY: Our Bible story for today is from Luke 2:8-20. As we read the story, we need people to act out the different parts. We need angels, shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Now let’s read the story and you each can act out your part as it is read in the story.

ASK: What it was it like to be a shepherd? I wonder how it felt to be sleeping under the stars with all those sheep, and looking up to see all those angels. How would you have felt to see a great number of angels? I wonder what it was like to see the baby Jesus that night.

Grow StrongerStAR RY n Ight Lu MI nA R I eSSupplies: Leader’s guide—p. 29, jars with lids, dark blue and purple glitter, hair spray, LED tea lights

Photocopy “Starry Night Luminaries” (p. 29) for each child. Make sure the jars are clean and dry.

SAY: As the shepherds watched their sheep, the angel and a host of angels came to them in the dark. When the host of angels spoke about the birth of Jesus, the sky was filled with light. Today, we are going to make our own starry night luminaries. You can have these in your room at home, and see the light shimmer. You will each need a jar with a lid, a tea light, and some glitter. Follow the directions on the Starry Night Luminaries sheet that you are being given. Then, you will see how your luminary shines.

StAR WIn D o W St I cKI eSSupplies: Leader’s guide—p. 30, star pattern, waxed paper, puffy paint

Copy the “Star Window Stickies” (p. 30) for each child and cut a piece of waxed paper for each child.

SAY: Stars are beautiful to see in the sky. Today, we are talking about the shepherds who were watching their sheep and being visited by the angels, who announced the birth of Jesus. The shepherds were sure to see lots of stars in the sky that night. We are going to make our own stars to stick to our windows. You will be given a pattern for a star (p. 30) and a piece of waxed paper. Set the waxed paper on top of the pattern. Use the puffy paint container to outline and fill in the star.

You will be able to take your star home with you. When it is dry and slightly sticky, peal the star from the waxed paper and stick it on a window to remind you of the night the shepherds saw the angels. Just a note: the more paint you put on your star, the longer it will take to dry.



Worship PR AY eR A nD PRAISeSupplies: Bibles; Bible Stories & Stuff —Songbook; class Stuff—p. 10, p. 23; DVD; DVD player; television or projector and screen; worship table; fabric to cover table; cross; Advent wreath with 4 purple candles, lighter



SAY: Today is Christmas Day. The color for Christmas is white. We also have an Advent wreath on our worship table. Today, we will light the Christ candle and all four other candles. (Light the candles.) The Christ candle celebrates the birth of the Christ child, the king. We know love through Jesus each and every day. Our Christmas reading is on the Advent poster. Let’s do our responsive reading.

SAY: We have lit our Christ candle for Christmas Day. We have a picture of an Advent wreath in our room to help us focus on celebrating the birth of Jesus. Let’s close in prayer.




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Starry Night Luminaries

Supplies: jars with lids, LED tea lights, glitter (dark blue and purple), hair spray

Instructions:

[ Remove the lids from the jars.

[ Spray hair spray into the jar, covering all sides and the bottom of the jar.

[ Sprinkle a little glitter into the jar.

[ Place the lid on the jar and shake until all the surfaces inside the jar are covered with glitter.

[ Remove the lid carefully.

[ Pour out the excess glitter.

[ Turn on the LED tea light and place it into the jar.

[ Replace the lid and enoy your luminary.



Star Window Stickies

Supplies: star pattern, waxed paper, fabric paint

Give each child a star pattern, a piece of waxed paper, and amounts of different colored fabric paint

Set the waxed paper on top of the pattern.

Outline and fill in the star with fabric paint.

When it is dry and slightly sticky, peel the star from the waxed paper and stick it on a window to remind you of the night the shepherds saw the angels.

Just a note: the more paint you put on your star, the longer it will take to dry.


Search for the KingBible Verse

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. John 3:16

Did You Know?

The magi traveled a great distance to find the prophesied king. The magi were wise men from Persia, known as priests or astrologers. They read and watched the

stars in the sky to understand the prophesies. They saw a bright star in the sky and are following it to see the “King of the Jews.” They want to pay homage and worship the king.

Matthew is looking at the kingship of Jesus from the perspective of a military king. The people are seeking to have a king who can free them from the reign of King Herod and enable them to be the mighty people of God.

As you work through this session with your group, remember that Epiphany, the season of celebration of the life of Jesus, begins on January 6. Ephiphany is also the day that we recognize the arrival of the magi and the presentation of the gifts they brought. We do know that the wise men brought three gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Each of these gifts are of great value for the life of Jesus. Gold brings monetary support; frankincense and myrrh are both spices which are very valuable and expensive. Both are used to prepare a body for burial.

Note that the Scripture does not indicate how many wise men were searching for Jesus or how many arrived to worship Jesus. We do know that there are three gifts presented. This is how tradition explains the three wise men. Additionally, Jesus was approximately two years old when the wise men arrived. It took a great deal of time for the them to travel from Persia to Bethlehem to find Jesus.

For more Bible background information, go to www.deepbluekids.com.

SESSION 5January 1


Anchor Point Jesus is God’s Son.


Welcome

q Jump In! The Wise Men

q Jump In! Searching


q Dive Deeper Searching for the King

q Grow Stronger Cardboard Star

q Grow Stronger Create an Announcement

q Grow Stronger Herbal Gifts




Scan this QR code to download the Deep Blue Kids App.

Play these games to learn more about the Bible!

Or visit deepbluekids.com to discover more resources.

32 Deep Blue Older Elementary Leader’s Guide • January 1




Hang the “Attendance Chart” (pp. 2 & 31).• Play “Down to the River” (CD-ROM) as the children are arriving.


T h e Wi Se menSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 11, pens or pencils

• Hand out “The Wise Men” (p. 11) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

SeA R ch i ngSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 12, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Searching” (p. 12) and pens or pencil. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

T h e Bi BLe VeRSe Supplies: class Stuff—pp. 6 & 27, pp. 9 & 24

• Show the children the “January Bible Verse Poster” (pp. 6 & 27). Read the verse together.

• Teach the children the signs on the “January Bible Verse Signs” poster (p. 9 & 24). Have the children sign and say the Bible verse with you several times.



SAY: Today our Deep Blue Crew learns about the star and who followed it to find the baby Jesus. Let’s watch.


• TIP •As you begin the lesson, please notice that the Bible Stories & Stuff handout for the day has interesting articles and activities for the children. This can be incorporated into your lesson. Remind the children to take their sheets home, and to encourage their families to participate in the readings and activities.


SeAR chin g f oR T h e Ki ngSupplies: Bibles

SAY: Our Bible story today is in Matthew 2:1-12. For some of you, this story is familiar. Listen carefully for any part of the story you have not heard before.

ASK: How do you think the wise men felt when they were looking for the king? I wonder what it would have been like following that star for about three years. I wonder how the wise men felt when they did find Jesus. How do you think Herod was feeling? I wonder what it would have been like to live with Herod as the king?

Grow StrongercARD B oARD STA RSupplies: Leader’s guide—p. 35, cardboard, scissors, markers or paint pens, hole punch, ribbon

Photocopy “Cardboard Star” (p. 35) for each child..

SAY: Today, we are thinking about the wise men and their travels to find Jesus. The wise men followed a star. We are going to create our own star. Using the copy of the star, cut out your own star from the cardboard. Then, before you begin to decorate the star, use the hole punch to make a small hole in the top. Thread a piece of ribbon through the hole, and tie the ends together. Then, use the markers or paint pens to decorate your star. You can take your star home to help you remember that the wise men were following the star to find Jesus.

cReATe An An nou ncemenT Supplies: paper, markers, pens, pencils

SAY: Using the paper, the markers, pencils and pens, create an announcement for locating the baby Jesus. You are trying to find the baby and need to get others to help. Design your announcement like an advertisement or a flyer you would be posting around town to find Jesus.

heRB AL gif TSSupplies: small vinegar bottles with secure lids; apple cider vinegar; dried herbs of your choice, such as basil, parsley, thyme, or sage; funnels; adhesive labels for the jars

After collecting the bottles, make sure they are clean and dry before the activity.

SAY: The wise men had special gifts for Jesus. The frankincense and myrrh were both herbs to be used in Jesus’ lifetime. Today, we are going to create our own herbal gift. Each of you will have a small vinegar bottle and some dried herbs. Using the funnel, fill the jar about half way with the herbs. Then, fill the jar with the vinegar. Secure the lid. Place a label on the jar and write what kind of vinegar you made. You can take home your herbal gift and use it as a dressing on your salads this week.



Worship PR AY eR A nD PRAiSeSupplies: Bibles, Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook and Session 5, class Stuff—pp. 12 & 21, DVD, DVD player, television or projector and screen, worship table, fabric to cover table, candle, lighter, cross, purple ribbon, 2 dowels of the same size, kite string

Hang the “Missions Poster” (p. 12 & 21) in the worship space.

• Invite the children to gather around the worship center while you play this month’s song, “Down to the River” (DVD). Using the Songbook, encourage the children to sing along.

SAY: Today begins our mission emphasis this quarter. We will be focusing on Every Girl Counts. Every Girl Counts seeks to transforms the lives of impoverished girls and women around the world with the Gospel of Christ while finding solutions to end poverty through educational and economic opportunities. More information on the mission is in Bible Stories & Stuff. Each week this month, our offering will go to support Every Girl Counts.

As we light our candle for worship, we will remember Every Girl Counts (Light the candle.)

Each week as we close in worship, we are going to add to our celebration ebenezer. An ebenezer is a reminder of God’s presence and help. Our ebenezer will begin as a long dowel, with a second dowel tied to it with kite string across the top. This week, each person is going to tie a purple ribbon to the ebenezer. Our ebenezer reminds us today that Jesus is the Son of God and that he is the Messiah for all the world.

Before we close in prayer, does anyone have a prayer request?

PRAY: Gracious God, you have heard our requests. We ask that your loving hand be with us and those around us always. Thank you for the wise men who searched for Jesus until they found him. Amen.



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Cardboard Star

Supplies: cardboard, scissors, markers or paint pens, hole punch, ribbon

Instructions:

1. Using the star template, trace the star on the cardboard.

2. Cut out the star.

3. Using the hole punch, make a small hole in the top of the cardboard star.

4. Thread a piece of ribbon through the hole and tie the ends together.

5. Decorate your star with the markers or paint pens.



Make an Ebenezer

Supplies: two dowels, kite string, purple ribbon

Instructions: Tie the dowels together to create a T.

Each week, add ribbons to the cross dowel so that the ribbons hang down like a curtain.


Winter 2016-17 • Session 6 deepbluekids.com 37

Talk With the TeachersBible Verse


Did You Know?

Today’s story is familiar to many people. Jesus and his family leave Bethlehem and are not in Nazareth. Jesus is being raised in a Jewish home. This means that he is

taught all the Scriptures, rituals, and celebrations of the faith. Each year, his family makes the journey from Bethlehem to Jerusalem for Passover. The family spends time in the Temple, as well as with family and friends.

When Jesus is twelve, his family makes the annual trip and Jesus is finally old enough to move about on his own. Jesus will have his ritual celebration of adulthood, called the bar mitzvah, at the age of thirteen. Until then, he is considered a child and is preparing for the celebration. When the family begins the trek home, Jesus is not with them. Mary and Joseph both return to Jerusalem to find him. They search for Jesus for three days. When they find him, he is in the Temple, speaking to the scribes. The scribes are teachers more so than priests. They are amazed at how Jesus speaks with such authority and with confident knowledge.

Spending time in the Temple with the scribes is Jesus’ first step toward taking on his ministry. Jesus is responding to God’s call on his life and his purpose.

As you discuss this Scripture with your children, ask them to consider how they can serve God each and every day. What are they being called to do now?


SESSION 6January 8




Welcome

q Jump In! Teachers

q Jump In! Teaching and Learning



q Dive Deeper Talk With the Teachers

q Grow Stronger Bookmark

q Grow Stronger Twenty Questions

q Grow Stronger Teacher Roses





Or visit deepbluekids.com.

Try out the new augmented- reality zipper pulls!





Hang the “Attendance Chart” (pp. 2 & 31). • Play “Down to the River” (CD-ROM) as the children are arriving.


T eAch eR SSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 13, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Teachers” (p. 13) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

T eAch i ng A nD LeARningSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 14, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Teaching and Learning” (p. 14) and pens or pencil. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

T h e Bi BLe V eRSe Supplies: class Stuff—pp. 6 & 27, pp. 9 & 24


• Teach the children the signs on the “January Bible Verse Signs” poster (pp. 9 & 24). Have the children sign and say the Bible verse with you several times.



SAY: When the kids cannot find Indie they learn about how Jesus’ parents could not find him. Let’s watch.




• TIP •Play as long as you have time to play. Use the “Obstacle Course” activity on p. 42, for an additional game that focuses on looking for Jesus.

TALK WiTh The T eAch eR SSupplies: Bibles

SAY: Our Bible story today is from Luke 2:39-52. Let’s read the story together. Imagine how all the different people in the story felt.

ASK: How do you think Jesus felt when he was in the Temple without his parents? I wonder what it was like to be sitting with the teachers, teaching them, and watching them learn. I wonder how Mary and Joseph felt when they had to return to Jerusalem to find Jesus. I wonder if you have ever had the opportunity to talk with an adult and teach them a few things.

Grow StrongerB ooK m ARKSupplies: 1- to 2-inch wide ribbon, hot glue gun and glue, buttons, elastic hair band, markers or paint pens

Cut the ribbon in 12-inch strips.

SAY: Jesus spent time with the teachers in the Temple. He taught them and listened to them as well. Part of learning is reading our books. Today, we are going to create a bookmark that you can place in your favorite book. Take a strip of ribbon. I will hot glue a 1/2-inch hem with the elastic hair band. Then, you will hot glue the button onto the other end of the ribbon. Once everything is dry, you will have a bookmark. Use your markers or paint pens to decorate the ribbon so you will remember the Bible story from today.

TWen TY Q ueSTi onSSupplies: none

SAY: We are going to play game called Twenty Questions. The first person, “It,” will think of an object or a person. Then the class will ask no more than 20 yes or no questions, to figure out what “It” is thinking. If the class does not detect the answer, then “It” will tell the class, and the next person will be “It.” If someone in the class figures out the answer, then he or she asks a question to confirm the correct answer. If she or he is correct, that person becomes “It.”

TeAcheR RoSeSSupplies: Leader’s guide—p. 41, origami paper for flowers, wood stick, scissors, white glue

Photocopy “Teacher Roses” (p. 41) for each child.

SAY: Using the pattern you have been given, you are going to make flowers for your teachers. You can make more than one flower, if you have more teachers you would like to honor. During our worship time, we will bless the flowers and say a special prayer for teachers.



Worship PR AY eR A nD PRAiSeSupplies: Bibles, Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook and Session 5, class Stuff—p. 12 & 21, DVD, DVD player, television or projector and screen, worship table, fabric to cover table, candle, lighter, cross, purple ribbon, 2 dowels the same size, kite string

Hang the “Mission Poster” (pp. 12 & 21) in the worship space.


SAY: Our mission focus this month is Every Girl Counts. In 2015, Every Girl Counts constructed Bright Hope Education Centre, as well as raised sponsorships for 30 students to attend school. Bright Hope opened on February 29, 2016! There is more information on both missions in Bible Stories & Stuff. Our offering will go to support Every Girl Counts.

As we light our candle for worship we will remember Bright Hope Education Centre. (Light the candle.)

For our closing worship, we are going to add to our celebration ebenezer. An ebenezer is a reminder of God’s presence and help. Our ebenezer will begin as a long dowel, with a second dowel tied to it with kite string across the top. This week, each person is going to tie a purple ribbon to the ebenezer. Our ebenezer reminds us today that Jesus is the Son of God and that he is the Messiah for all the world.


PRAY: Thank you, God, for all of our teachers: for Jesus who taught in the Temple, and for the teachers who teach us each and every day. God, we ask that you bless our flowers for our teachers. May the roses be a blessing to them. God, thank you for all you have given us. Amen.



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Teacher Roses

Supplies: origami paper for flowers, wood stick, pen or pencils, scissors, white glue

Using a small square of red paper draw a spiral from the middle of the page to the outside edge of the paper. Then cut out the spiral. Once the spiral is cut out, roll the spiral up from the outside edge to the middle. This will create your rose. You can then glue the rose to the stick.



Additional ActivityObstacle Course

Supplies: painters’ tape, hula hoops, ropes, other appropriate obstacles, stopwatch

Instructions: Use the painters’ tape and hula hoops to create obstacle course boundaries within your room or in another space. Mary and Joseph had traveled a whole day without finding Jesus. Then they returned to Jerusalem and spent three more days looking for Jesus. When they finally found him, they were relieved.

Today, we are going to create an obstacle course that will be a path to finding Jesus. Each person will have a chance to complete the course. The person with the fastest time will help reset the obstacle course for the next search for Jesus. We will continue as long as we have time.


Come to the RiverBible Verse


Did You Know?

We move from the child Jesus in last week’s session to the adult Jesus in this week’s Scripture reading. Jesus has grown up and is now beginning his ministry

with the people. He goes to the river where John the Baptist has been preaching. John and Jesus are related and have known each other since they were infants.

As the story goes, Jesus arrives at the river so that John can baptize him; but John tries to convince Jesus to baptize him. After Jesus explains why, John agrees to baptize Jesus. After Jesus is baptized, God announces to all that Jesus is the Son of God.

God’s announcement is made not only to Jesus, but it is made so that those around the river hear. John the Baptist realizes the importance of Jesus’ baptism and that Jesus is the Son of God.

Some of your children in class today may not have been baptized as infants. Some may have questions about what it means to be baptized. They may wonder if they are still part of the community of faith if they are not baptized. Help them to understand that God’s love extends to all and that baptism is important, but it does not change how God loves each person.


SESSION 7January 15




Welcome

q Jump In! Baptism

q Jump In! The River



q Dive Deeper Come to the River

q Grow Stronger Baptism Invites

q Grow Stronger How Much Water?

q Grow Stronger Remember Your Baptism Ornament




Help your crew memorize Scripture with us! Visit deepbluekids.com

and discover the memorization tools available on the Deep Blue Kids Adventure DVD series.





Hang the “Attendance Chart” (pp. 2 & 31). • Play “Down to the River” (CD-ROM) as the children are arriving.


BA Pt i SmSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 15, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Baptism” (p. 15) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

t h e R i V eRSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 16, pens or pencils

• Hand out “The River” (p. 16) and pens or pencil. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.






SAY: Today the Deep Blue Crew learns about Jesus’ baptism. Let’s watch.


• TIP •Take time each week to greet the children as they arrive. This will help you develop a relationship with them and the children will know that they are an important part of Sunday school.


• TIP •Provide protective covering on the work surface to catch the excess glitter.

com e to the R i V eRSupplies: Bibles

SAY: Our Scripture today is from Matthew 3:13-17. As we read this story aloud, listen for how many times the name John and the name of God is spoken. Let’s read our Scripture together.

ASK: How do you think John felt when he saw his relative, Jesus? I wonder what it would have been like to be at the river watching John baptize Jesus. I wonder what it would have been like to be baptized by John. I wonder if anyone here has been baptized. What do you know about your baptism?

Grow StrongerB APtiS m in Vit eSSupplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 47, construction paper, scissors, markers, glue, glitter

Photocopy “Spirit of God” (p. 47) for each child.

SAY: You are going to have the opportunity to create your own invitation to Jesus’ baptism. There is construction paper, scissors, markers, glue, and glitter. Think of who you would invite to come with you to Jesus’ baptism. Imagine you are sending invitations to the baptism. You have a copy of the Spirit of God sheet, which has an image of a dove. Many people associate the Spirit of God with a dove. You can use this image on your invitations. Make a list of who would receive the invitation and decorate your own invitation.

hoW m uch WAt eR ?Supplies: sponges (three different sizes), bowl of water, empty dry bowl, measuring cup, paper, and pencil

SAY: For his baptism, Jesus was immersed into the river. There was a lot of water. Some baptisms use just a few drops of water. For baptism, water very important.

We have sponges in three different sizes. When I fill each sponge with water, you decide which sponge will hold the most water. By filling up one of the sponges and wringing it out, let’s measure the remaining amount of water. Would someone please write down how much water was in this sponge? We will do this for the next two sponges.

Now that all the sponges have been filled with water and wrung out, which one held the most water?

Rem em B eR You R BA Pt i Sm oR nA mentSupplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 48, small balloons, yarn, white glue, small bowl, yarn, glitter, scissors, water, craft stick, string or ribbon

SAY: Remembering your baptism is important. Even if we don’t remember the day we were baptized, or if we haven’t been baptized, we should remember Jesus’ baptism. Today, we are going to create an ornament that can help us remember



Jesus’ baptism. You will each get a small balloon. Blow up your balloon and tie the end. In your small bowl, use a craft stick to mix together a little glue and a little water.

Wrap the yarn around the balloon, changing the direction as you wrap to cover most of the balloon. Roll the yarn-wrapped balloon around in the glue until is completely covered. Sprinkle a little glitter all over the glue-soaked yarn. Suspend the balloon and let the yarn dry. (If, by the end of the class, you don’t have time to let the yarn dry, put it in a zip top bag so the children can take it home.) After the yarn is dry, pop the balloon and remove it from the inside of the ornament. Then, tie a string or ribbon to the ornament so you can hang it in your room to remind you of Jesus’ baptism.

Worship PR AY eR A nD PRAiSeSupplies: Bibles, Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook and Session 5, class Stuff—p. 12 & 21, DVD, DVD player, television or projector and screen, worship table, fabric to cover table, candles, lighter, cross, green ribbon, 2 dowels (same size), kite string

Hang the “Mission Poster” (p. 12 & 21) in the worship space.


SAY: Our mission focus this month is Every Girl Counts. Its Bright Hope Education Center will educate 120 kids annually, prepare them for university, and help break the cycle of generational poverty. More information on this mission is in Bible Stories & Stuff. Our offering will go to support Every Girl Counts.

As we light our candle for worship, we will remember the children who are educated by Bright Hope Education Center (Light the candle.)

For our closing worship, we are going to add to our celebration ebenezer. An ebenezer is a reminder of God’s presence and help. Our ebenezer will begin as a long dowel, with a second dowel tied to it across the top with kite string. This week, each of you is going to tie a green ribbon to the ebenezer. Our ebenezer also reminds us today that Jesus is the Son of God and that he is the Messiah for all the world.


PRAY: Thank you, God, for all of our teachers and for Jesus, who was baptized by John. May we know your love in all that is around us. Amen.



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Spirit of God

Supplies: construction paper, scissors, markers, glue, glitter


Remember Your Baptism Ornament

Supplies: small balloons, yarn, white glue, small bowl, glitter, scissors, water, craft stick, string or ribbon

Instructions:1. Blow up your balloon and tie the end. 2. In your small bowl, use a craft stick to mix together a little

glue and a little water.3. Wrap the yarn around the balloon, wrapping in many

directions to almost cover the balloon. 4. Roll the yarn-wrapped balloon around in the glue in the

bowl, coating the yarn with glue. 5. When you have covered the balloon but still can see the

balloon, sprinkle a little glitter all over the yarn. Now, let the yarn dry.

7. After the yarn is dry, pop the balloon and remove it from the inside of the ornament. Then, tie a string or ribbon to the ornament so you can hang it in your room to remind you of Jesus’ baptism.


Change the WaterBible Verse


Did You Know?

Jesus begins his ministry at a wedding. Jesus is a guest at the wedding; it could likely be a family member’s wedding. When the wine at the wedding runs out before the

party ends, Jesus’ mother nudges him to do something.

Keep in mind a few things about this Scripture story: the number of water jars and the size of the jars is most unusual. Usually there would be one or two jars that would hold water for the handwashing ritual. Possibly because it is a special occasion, there are six. Additionally, these jars are very large. Most of the time, the jars would not be this large, even for a large wedding.

Jesus performs a miracle by changing the water in the jars into wine. Very few people understand that a miracle has been performed. Yet, those who witness the miracle are surprised at the wine’s quality, but they don’t speak about the miracle.

The miracle represents the act of making old things new again. This helps us to understand Jesus’ teachings regarding the Jewish laws. The people have lost the understanding of the laws, and Jesus teaches that the laws need to be understood in a new and different manner.

Help your children understand that this first miracle sets the tone for all that Jesus is to do in his ministry. We are beginning to see Jesus’ ministry unfold.


SESSION 8January 22

Bible StoryJohn 2:1-12



Welcome

q Jump In! Miracle

q Jump In! Water Into Wine



q Dive Deeper Change the Water

q Grow Stronger Mission Activity

q Grow Stronger Decorate a Jar

q Grow Stronger Symbols of Love






Test your Bible knowledge using the Bible Trivia Challenge!







• Play “Down to the River” (CD-ROM) as the children are arriving.


mi R AcLeSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 17, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Miracle” (p. 17) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

WAt eR i nto WineSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 18, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Water Into Wine” (p. 18) and pens or pencil. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

t h e Bi BLe VeRSe Supplies: class Stuff—pp. 6 & 27, pp. 9 & 24





SAY: edgar, caleb, Kat, and Asia learn about Jesus’ first miracle. Let’s see what happens.


• TIP •Be aware of how your environment teaches the children. The decorations, posters, and the furniture help to tell the story of God’s love.


chAn ge the WAt eRSupplies: Bibles

SAY: Our Bible story today is in John 2:1-12. As we read aloud, let’s have some actors act out the Scripture. We need someone to play Jesus, Mary, disciples, the steward, and 2 servants. Now, let’s read and hear what the story says to us today.

ASK: How do you think it felt for Jesus to be attending a wedding? I wonder what it would have been like to have been at such a big fancy wedding? I wonder what it would have felt like to watch Jesus as he told the servants what to do? I wonder how it felt to know there had been a miracle but most people did not know about it?

Grow Strongerm iSSion ActiVi t YSupplies: Leader’s guide—p. 53, video cameras or phone with recording capabilities

Photocopy this month’s mission letter (p. 53) for each child. Make sure you have enough cameras for the group.

SAY: We have been focusing on our mission, Every Girl Counts, this month. Today, we are going to do an activity related to this mission. Your Bible Stories & Stuff has been telling you about Every Girl Counts. Let’s make a list of what we have learned about it. (This list can be posted on a white board in the room). Now, let’s divide into groups of 3 and use this information to create an advertisement for Every Girl Counts. Once you have created your advertisement, then record it. We will discuss our advertisements as a group afterwards.

D ecoRAte A JARSupplies: a jar for each child, paint pens, permanent markers

SAY: Jesus told the servants to fill the ritual jars with water. Then he told them to take some to the steward. When the steward drank the water that had become wine, he discovered it was superb wine for the party. Today we are going to decorate our own jars. Each person is going to be given a jar. You can decorate it any way you like to help you remember that Jesus’ first miracle was changing water into wine.

SYm B o L S o f LoV eSupplies: Leader’s guide—p. 54, felt, markers, glue, scissors, beads

Copy Symbols of Love (p. 54) for each child

SAY: Once it is decorated we need to fill our jar with symbols of love. Cut out the different shapes from the felt. Using your markers, glue, and beads, create different symbols of love. Our symbols can remind us how much God loved us and how Jesus taught us about love. Make several different symbols to fill your jar. You can share your symbols with others so they too will know about God’s love.



Worship PR AY eR A nD PRAiSeSupplies: Bibles, Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook and Session 5, class Stuff—p. 12 & 21, DVD, DVD player, television or projector and screen, worship table, fabric to cover table, candle, lighter, cross, green ribbon, 2 dowels the same size, kite string

Hang the “Mission Poster” (pp. 12 & 21) in the worship space.


SAY: Our mission focus this month is Every Girl Counts. In 2012, Every Girl Counts began empowering young people with the hope of a brighter future through self-sustaining businesses. More information on this mission is in Bible Stories & Stuff. Our offering will go to support Every Girl Counts.

As we light our candle for worship, we will remember Every Girl Counts and the brighter future through businesses. (Light the candle.)

For our closing worship, we are going to add to our celebration ebenezer. An ebenezer is a reminder of God’s presence and help. Our ebenezer began as a long dowel, with a second dowel tied on to it across the top with kite string. This week, each person is going to tie a green ribbon to the ebenezer. Our ebenezer reminds us today that Jesus is the Son of God and that he is the Messiah for all the world. We have worked our way from purple to green. We are changing colors to remind us of the blessings of life.


PRAY: Thank you, God, for all of our teachers. Amen.



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Mission Letter

Dear Guardians,

This quarter we will be financially supporting Every Girl Counts and their new school, Bright Hope Education Center, a Christian secondary school that serves impoverished youth from the Kibera slum of Nairobi.

Every Girl Counts seeks to transforms the lives of impoverished girls and women around the world with the Gospel of Christ while finding solutions to end poverty through educational and economic opportunities. Join the movement to educate, empower, and sustain impoverished women and girls through Bright Hope Education Center and other Every Girl Counts projects.

Every Girl Counts and Swahiba Youth Networks have purchased a one-quarter-acre piece of property located approximately 4 miles outside the slum. The quiet, pastoral setting offers an ideal place for kids to focus on their studies. Bright Hope will educate 120 kids annually, prepare them for university, and help break the cycle of generational poverty.

Learn more at: everygirlcounts.com. You’ll find pictures and videos of this great organization in action there.

Your child’s class will collect an offering for this service organization. You may send the offering with your child to class, or donate online at everygirlcounts.com by clicking the “Send a Girl to School” link in the center of the webpage.



Symbols of Love


Born AnewBible Verse


Did You Know?

Jesus interacts with one person in this Scripture story, Nicodemus. The interaction helps us understand what Jesus is expecting of the people. Jesus tells Nicodemus

that in order to see the Kingdom of God one must be born anew. This is a very tough concept, even for adults. For us today, we will understand that being born anew means for us to make the commitment walk with God each and every day; we are to have faith in God.

Nicodemus comes to Jesus as a leader in the faith community. He is trying to understand what Jesus is saying and why. We must understand what Jesus is saying, too. Jesus is telling Nicodemus about God’s love. He is telling us how to show the world that we love God. When we show the world that we are love, then we walk God’s path.

This topic is hard for adults to understand and somewhat difficult for children to digest. Do not underestimate the ability of a child to embrace the mystery of the Scripture and to grasp walking by faith with God. Do focus on the love of God and that Jesus is here to show us this love. Focus on the light being the love of God.


SESSION 9January 29

Bible StoryJohn 3:1-21



Welcome

q Jump In! Nicodemus

q Jump In! God So Loved the World


q Dive Deeper Deep Blue Bible Adventures

q Dive Deeper Born Anew

q Grow Stronger Marble Run

q Grow Stronger If I Visited Jesus

q Grow Stronger Create an Emoji




Sing along with the music videos on the Deep Blue Adventure DVD!






Hang the “Attendance Chart” (pp. 2 & 31).• Play “Down to the River” (CD-ROM) as the children are arriving.


Ni coDemu SSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 19, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Nicodemus” (p. 19) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

GoD So LoV eD the WoRLD. . .Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 20, pens or pencils

• Hand out “God So Loved the World...” (p. 20) and pens or pencil. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.



• Teach the children the signs on the “January Bible Verse Signs” poster (pp. 9 & 24). Have the children sign and say the Bible verse with you several times..

Dive Deeper DeeP BLu e BiBLe ADVeNtuReSupplies: Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook, DVD, DVD player, television or projector and screen


SAY: Caleb helps the Deep Blue Crew understand about being a light in the world. Let’s watch.


• TIP •Today is the last day of the unit. On the DVD, you will find a review. Incorporate this into your session, if you have time.


• TIP •If you have enough time in your session, check out an extra activity, “Picture Who?” on page 60.

B oRN AN eWSupplies: Bibles

SAY: Our Bible story today is from John 3:1-21. There may be some familiar verses here. Let’s read together, one at a time, and hear with Jesus has to say to us today.

ASK: How did you feel hearing about Nicodemus? I wonder why Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. I wonder what it was like for Nicodemus to hear about how much God loves the world. I wonder what it is like for us to hear how much God loves us.

Grow Strongerm AR B L e RuNSupplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 59, marbles, shoe box lid or shallow box, pencils, craft sticks, glue

Photocopy “Marble Run” (p. 59) for each child.

SAY: Nicodemus came to Jesus in the night. He was a follower, but also a leader in the community. Nicodemus was not ready for the people in his community to see him visiting Jesus. You are going to create a Marble Run today, using the box lid and the craft sticks. This Marble Run represents Nicodemus going to Jesus at night.

• Give each child a copy of “Marble Run” and follow the directions.

if i ViSiteD JeSu S

SAY: We are going to play a game called If I Visited Jesus. Everyone needs to sit in a circle. I will start and we will go around the room. I will say, “If I visited Jesus, I would take with me (fill in the blank).” The next person would say, “If I visited with Jesus, I would take...” (and say what was said before and add their answer.) We will do this until everyone has had a turn. You have to think, listen, and remember what has been said before you say your sentence. Try not to duplicate what others have said. Let’s begin.

cReAte AN em oJ iSupplies: yellow construction paper, circle form, markers, scissors

SAY: Emojis are graphic symbols of feelings that many people use as shorthand in texting, Instagram, or other electronic communications. There are all sorts of signs that people use. Today you are going to create three different emojis for yourself. Using the construction paper, create an emoji for how you felt when you heard the Scripture reading today. Then, create an emoji for how you feel when you know God loves you. Finally, create an emoji for how you want others to feel when they know about God’s love.



Worship PR AY eR A ND PRAiSeSupplies: Bibles, Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook and Session 5, class Stuff—p. 12 & 21, DVD, DVD player, television or projector and screen, , worship table, fabric to cover table, candle, lighter, cross, green ribbon, 2 dowels the same size, kite string

Hang the Mission Poster (pp. 12 & 21) in the worship space.


SAY: Our mission focus this month has been Every Girl Counts. Every Girl Counts seeks to transforms the lives of impoverished girls and women around the world with the Gospel of Christ while finding solutions to end poverty through educational and economic opportunities. More information on the mission is in Bible Stories & Stuff. Our offering this month has supported Every Girl Counts.

As we light our candle for worship, we will remember Every Girl Counts and how we can be in ministry with others around the world. (Light the candle.)

This will be our last addition to our celebration ebenezer, our reminder of God’s presence and help in our lives. Our ebenezer began as a long dowel, with a second dowel tied across the top with kite string. For this last week, each person will tie a green ribbon to the ebenezer. Our ebenezer reminds us today that Jesus is the Son of God and that he is the Messiah for all the world. During this month, we worked our way from purple to green. We changed colors to remind us of the blessings of life.


PRAY: Thank you, God, for loving us and sending Jesus to teach us about your love. Amen.



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Marble Run

Supplies: marbles, shoe box lid or shallow box, pencils, craft sticks, glue

Instructions:

On the flat part of the lid or bottom of the box draw out the run you would like to create.

To create the run, glue one edge of the craft sticks and place on the bottom of the lid or box in the pattern you drew.

Allow the glue on the craft sticks to dry.

Play the game.



Extra ActivityPicture Who?

Supplies: white board and markers or flip chart with markers, bowl

We are going to play Picture Who? Each person will have an opportunity to draw a person or character who has been in our Scripture readings since December. I have a list of names on slips of paper and placed them in this bowl. When it is your turn, come pull a name from the bowl and draw a picture of the person. The first person to guess whom you’ve drawn will be the next to draw. We will go around the room until everyone has had an opportunity to draw a person. Don’t worry about perfection. Focus on what you remember from the Scripture stories and have fun!

Jesus

Mary

Joseph

shepherd

wise man with gold

King Herod

Temple Teachers

John the Baptist

Nicodemus

Gabriel

innkeeper

angel

host of angels

wise man with myrrh

wise man withfrankincense

wedding servers

wedding steward


The SowerBible Verse

“Everyone who has ears should pay attention”. Luke 8:8

Did You Know?

J esus frequently told parables to those who were around him. Each parable had a single idea that Jesus was trying to get across to those who were listening. The

parables used actions that were common to the day. In the parable of the sower, the images of the sower, the seeds, and the ground were very common for those who were listening. People relied on agriculture and farming to provide food for their families as well as for the community.

For us today, the single idea of a parable is still very important for our lives and how we live as Christians. As we read the parable, we may not be as familiar with the setting, such as planting a field, but we are familiar with what it means to receive love and how that love affects our lives.

Older Elementary children are more able to think abstractly and will be able to understand that we are like the soil. Sometimes when we hear about God’s love, we may be on the pathway or in the thorns. We really want to be the good soil. Help your children explore how to be good soil and how to receive God’s love and share it with others.


SESSION 10February 5


Anchor Point Parables teach us about God’s love.


Welcome

q Jump In! Sow

q Jump In! Seeds



q Dive Deeper The Sower

q Grow Stronger Sower’s House

q Grow Stronger Sower/Soil Game

q Grow Stronger Sower’s Designs




Continue today’s lesson with your family!

Scan this QR code—go directly to the Free Stuff for Parents page.Or visit deepbluekids.com.

62 Deep Blue Older Elementary Leader’s Guide • February 5





• Play “Speak to My Heart” (CD-ROM) as the children are arriving.


SoWSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 21, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Sow” (p. 21) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

SeeDSSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 22, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Seeds” (p. 22) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.


• Show the children the “February Bible Verse Poster” (pp. 8 & 25). Read the verse together.

• Teach the children the signs on the “February Bible Verse Signs” poster (pp. 13 & 20). Have the children sign and say the Bible verse with you several times.


• Using the Songbook, sing the theme song, “Let’s Go Deep Blue” (DVD) with the kids on the DVD.

SAY: Edgar is planting a seed today and shares a story with the Deep Blue Crew. Let’s watch.


• TIP •As you begin the lesson, please notice that the Bible Stories & Stuff handout for the day has interesting articles and activities for the children. This can be incorporated into your lesson. Remind the children to take their sheets home, and to encourage their families to participate in the readings and activities.


• TIP •You many want to make one Sower’s House for the classroom and send a smaller translucent container with a small piece of grass seed-embedded sponge home with each of your children.

The SoWeRSupplies: Bibles, class Stuff—pp.16 & 17

Hang the “Parables Poster” (pp. 16 & 17).

SAY: Our Bible story today is in Luke 8:4-15. Today’s story needs to be acted out. We need people to play the sower and the seeds that fall on the walk path, the rocky soil, the thorns and weeds, and the good soil. Now, let’s read and our actors will perform the scenes as we read.

ASK: How do you feel when you hear this story? I wonder if you were the sower where you would scatter the seeds. I wonder if you might be the rocky soil or the weedy soil or the good soil.

SAY: We will be talking about parables this month. We have a Parables Poster that will help us remember the parables.

Grow StrongerSoWeR’S houSeSupplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 65, four 4.5" by 3” household sponges per child, grass seeds, scissors, large plastic food storage containers with lids, markers, spray bottle of water

Photocopy “Sower’s House” (p. 65) for each child. Make sure the sponges are clean.

SAY: The sower took seed and scattered it all around. Today, we are going to create a house for our seeds today. You are all going to be given a few sponges. Use the markers to position the different parts of your house, like the roof, doors and windows. Wet the sponges thoroughly, then squeeze out most of the moisture. Use the scissors to cut out the different parts. Then, assemble your house on the lid of the storage container. After you have assembled your house, then lightly spray water on the grass seeds all over your house. Last, add the bottom of the storage container to create a greenhouse. When you take your house home, place it in a sunny spot and watch the grass grow.

SoWeR/SoiL GA me

SAY: We are going to play a game. The sower scattered seed all around, but only when the seeds were in the good soil did they grow well. The game is Sower/Soil. The group will make a circle and the person who is “It” will stand in the center of the circle. “It” will close her or his eyes and count to 5. Then “It” will keep eyes closed and call out “Sower” and those around them will call out “Soil.” “It” person will try to find another person to tag, but cannot see to find the person. All “It” has is the sound of “Soil” to locate the person. “It” will continue to call out “Sower” and listen for the “Soil,” until he or she has found another person. Once a person is tagged, that person becomes “It,” closes eyes, and counts to 5. The game continues for as long as there is time or until everyone has been “It.”



SOW ER ’S DESIGNSSupplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 66, colored pencils or crayons

Make two copies of “Sower’s Designs” (p. 66) for each child.

SAY: You have a unique coloring picture to color today. You can color both sheets. If you color in the numbers 1 and 2, you will find one picture. If you color in number 3, you will have another picture. If you color in both sheets, you will see the different pictures side by side.

Worship PR AY ER A ND PRAISESupplies: Bibles, Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook and Session 10, Class Stuff—p. 5, DVD, DVD player, television or projector and screen, worship table, fabric to cover table, candle, lighter, washi tape, permanent marker, duct tape

• Invite the children to gather around the worship center while you play this month’s song, “Speak to My Heart” (DVD). Using the Songbook, encourage the children to sing along.

SAY: Today, we light our candle and remember the seeds were planted in different places, but only the good soil produced a harvest. (Light the candle.)

SAY: We are going to make a prayer band today. You will each be given a piece of washi tape. You will need to fold the tape in half. Using the permanent markers, write words on your band that will help you remember the parable of the sower. You can also write names of people or words describing situations that you would like to keep in your prayers this week. When you are finished, use a piece of duct tape to close the band together. Then, put the band on your wrist.

Over the next few Sundays, we will be making a different band each week. These will help us remember our parables and the people we should add to our prayers each day.

Before we close in prayer, does anyone have a prayer concern?

PRAY: Thank you, God, for the sower and for farmers everywhere. Thank you, God, that there is good soil to help the seeds to grow. Amen.



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Sower’s House

Supplies: 4 clean 4.5” by 3” household sponges for each child, grass seed, scissors, large plastic food storage containers with lids, permanent markers, spray bottle of water, straight pins

Instructions 1. Provide 4 sponges for each child. 2. Use the permanent markers to draw the

different parts of your house, like the roof, doors, and windows.

3. Wet the sponges thoroughly, then squeeze out most of the water.

4. Use the scissors to cut out the different pieces. Cut partly through the side of the roof, leaving a small hinge of sponge. If must cut into two pieces, secure the roof to the house walls with straight pins.

5. Assemble your house on the lid of the storage container. 6. Sprinkle the grass seeds all over your house. 7. Spray your house one more time with water. 7. Add the bottom of the storage container to create a

greenhouse. 8. When you take your house home, place it in a sunny spot and

watch the grass grow. 9. Leave the lid slightly ajar, so the sponges won’t become moldy. 10. Spray the house and seeds again if they dry out.



Sower’s Designs

Supplies: colored pencils or crayonsInstructions:Color both sheets. Color in the numbers 1 and 2 to find one picture. Color in 3 and find another picture. Place both colored sheets together to see the different pictures side by side.


The Good SamaritanBible Verse

“Everyone who has ears should pay attention.” Luke 8:8

Did You Know?

This Scripture story is a parable like last week’s story. This parable teaches us specifically about being a neighbor. In the time of Jesus, the Samaritans were

disliked by the Jewish people. The Samaritans were a sect of people who practiced Judaism, but had different beliefs about where they were supposed to worship. Therefore, the Samaritan people were disliked and not trusted by the Jewish people.

The road from Jerusalem to Jericho is a wandering, meandering road, conducive to ambushing, full of hills and ledges. As Jesus tells this parable, he is focused on those who do not respond to the beaten man. The priest and the Levite represent religious authorities. For them to see the man and walk to the other side of the road indicates they are not willing to help. For them to touch an injured man would have left them ritually unclean. This means they would have to attend to the rituals of cleansing and purification, which would take days. They are unwilling to take this risk to help the injured man.

The Samaritan provides care for the man and takes him to a location to receive more care. The Samaritan shows the love of God to this stranger. To the lawyer asking this question, the actions of the Samaritan are radical. Jesus is asking for the people to be radical in their love of each other.






Welcome

q Jump In! Neighbor

q Jump In! Helping



q Dive Deeper The Good Samaritan

q Grow Stronger Obstacle Course

q Grow Stronger Collaborative Drawing

q Grow Stronger Good Samaritan Tweets

q Grow Stronger Sharing With Others




Help your kids learn more using the Parent Connection!








Nei gh BoRSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 23, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Neighbor” (p. 23) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

h eLPi NgSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 24, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Helping” (p. 24) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.




Dive Deeper DeeP BLu e BiBLe ADVeNTuReSupplies: Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook, DVD, DVD player, television or projector and screen


SAY: Caleb notices Indigo has a thorn in her foot and helps her. Kat shares a story that helps us understand helping our neighbor. Let’s watch.




The gooD SAmA R i TA NSupplies: Bibles, class Stuff—pp. 16 & 17

Hang the “Parables Poster” (pp. 16 & 17).

SAY: Our Bible story today is in Luke 10:25-37. Our story today is one we all might have already heard. Let’s read the story around the circle. As we read, think about who are your neighbors.

ASK: How do you feel when you hear that the Jewish man was not helped by the priest or the Levite man, who were also Jewish? I wonder if you would have stopped to help the man. I wonder if you know of people who are your neighbors, although they may not live next door. I wonder if we can be neighbors to each other.


Grow StrongeroB STAcL e c o uR SeSupplies: hula hoops, jump ropes, balls, chairs, painters tape

Create an obstacle course.

SAY: The people walking past the injured Jewish man on the road to Jericho had to walk very carefully on the other side of the road. The road was not wide; it was a steep mountainous road and difficult to travel on. As we think about what it means to be neighbors, we are going to organize an obstacle course. The obstacle course will help us think about what it means to go around those who are our neighbors. You may have to help others get through the obstacle course.

coLLAB oRATiV e DR AWi NgSupplies: 1 large piece of mural paper, markers, timer

SAY: We are all going to work together to create a drawing from our story today. We have one large piece of mural paper and each of you needs a different marker. We will go around the group and each one of you will have a chance to draw what you thought you heard from our Scripture story. You will have 15 seconds. After 15 seconds, the next person will pick up with where you left off. You cannot say anything to the next person about what you were drawing. The next person has to add to the drawing, based on what they see and what they heard. We will continue until everyone has had an opportunity to draw or until we have a complete picture.

gooD SAm ARiTA N T W eeT SSupplies: pens or pencils

Photocopy “Good Samaritan Tweets” (p. 72) for each child.

SAY: We have heard the story of the Good Samaritan. On the handout, write your own version of the story to share with others, but write in a series of mini-tweets. You can only use 75 characters in each tweet. You can use any location or character. What would you want others to know about the Good Samaritan?



Sh A R i Ng Wi Th oTheRSSupplies: Leader’s guide—p. 71, markers, pens or pencils

Photocopy “Sharing with Others” (p. 71) for each child.

SAY: We are preparing for Valentine’s Day. As we think about who is our neighbor, we will prepare Valentine’s cards to give to those around us. You can decorate the front of your card. You will fold your cards in half so the picture is on the outside. On the inside, you will write why a person is special. Decide who you will give the card to before you begin writing. Try to think of someone who would be your neighbor, but who doesn’t think of you as neighbor.

Worship PR AY eR A ND PRAiSeSupplies: Bibles, Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook and Session 10, class Stuff—p. 5, DVD, DVD player, television or projector and screen, worship table, fabric to cover table, candle, lighter, cross, washi tape, permanent marker, duct tape

Invite the children to gather around the worship center while you play this month’s song, “Speak to My Heart” (DVD). Using the Songbook, encourage the children to sing along.

SAY: Today we light our candle and remember who are our neighbors and how we are to treat them. (Light the candle.)

SAY: We are going to make a prayer band to wear on your wrists. You will each be given a piece of washi tape. You will need to fold the tape in half. Using the permanent markers, write words on your band that will help you remember the parable of the good Samaritan. You can also write names of people or describe situations that you would like to keep in your prayers this week. When you are finished, use a piece of duct tape to close the band together. Then, put the band on your wrist.

Over the next few Sundays, we will be making a different band each week. They’ll help us remember our parables and the people we should add to our prayers each day.


PRAY: Thank you, God, for the good Samaritan. May we all learn to treat all people as our neighbors. Amen.



• TIP •Ask the children to bring in a small item that they have found during the week. It will be part of next session’s activities.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 11 DeepBlueKids.com 71Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Sharing With Others

Instructions: Use this card to send to someone. Decide who you will give the card to before you begin writing. Decorate the front. Then, fold your card in half twice so the picture is on the outside. On the inside, you will write why the person is special. Try to think of someone who would be your neighbor, but who doesn’t think of you as neighbor.

You are my neighbor and God loves you.

You are special because


Good Samaritan Tweets

Instructions: In a series of mini-tweets, write your own version of the good Samaritan story to share with others. You can only use 75 characters in each tweet. You can use any location or character. What would you want others to know about the Good Samaritan?



Stories of the LostBible Verse

Everyone who has ears should pay attention. Luke 8:8

Did You Know?

Lost and found. Here is an interesting set of parables for us to explore. With the story of the lost sheep, the shepherd leaves a large flock of sheep to look for one

single sheep. This is most unusual. First of all, shepherds are not trusted and are not considered good people in the community. So, because they are considered the least and on the edge of the society, Jesus uses them to illustrate the radical nature of God’s love. God would leave all the others just to look for that one who is lost.

The parable of the lost coin helps us consider the importance of one single coin. The lost coin was most likely a drachma, a silver coin, worth a day’s wages. As was the custom at that time, the coin usually would have been attached to the woman’s headdress. To have misplaced it would have been startling. Surely all of us would have cleaned and searched until we found that missing coin, just as God searches for us when we have separated ourselves from God.

In both parables, the ending is a celebration. For us, as faithful people, we should always be open to celebrating when a lost person is found and rejoins the community.






Welcome

q Jump In! Lost

q Jump In! Coins



q Dive Deeper The Lost

q Grow Stronger Found Art

q Grow Stronger Coins





Play these games to learn more about the Bible!

Or visit deepbluekids.com to discover more resources.








LoStSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 25, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Lost” (p. 25) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

coi nSSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 26, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Coins” (p. 26) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.






SAY: Asia has lost her microphone. As she searches we hear the stories of the lost. Let’s watch.


• TIP •Take time each week to greet the children as they arrive. This will help you develop a relationship with the children and the children will know that they are an important part of Sunday school.


• TIP • Collect lost items from around the church that can be used to create the Found Art.

the LoStSupplies: Bibles, class Stuff—p. 16 & 17

Hang the “Parables Poster” (pp. 16 & 17)

SAY: Our Bible story today is from Luke 15:3-10. We have two stories to read today. Let’s act each one out. We will need a shepherd, a sheep, his friends, the woman, and her friends. Now as I read each part, our actors will do the action for us. Let’s read together.

ASK: How do you feel when you hear the story of the lost? I wonder if God really would come looking for one person if they are lost. I wonder what it is like to be found.

SAY: We will be talking about parables this month. We have a parables poster that will help us remember the parables.

Grow StrongerFoun D ARtSupplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 77; white glue; small found items, no larger than the palm of a hand

Make one copy of “Found Art” (p. 77) for the class.

SAY: The shepherd went looking for the one sheep that was lost and the woman searched and swept her home to find the one coin that was lost. When we lose things, we go searching for them until we find that lost item. You were asked to bring in an item that had been lost and that you found. We are going to create an art object out of our lost and found items. We will use the handout as an outline for our lost art. Each person will glue their lost item onto the shape. As we gather all of our lost items together, we will see our creation come to life.

coin SSupplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 78, cardboard, aluminum foil, pencils without sharp points, permanent markers

Photocopy “Coins” (p. 78) for each child.

SAY: We are going to create our own coins. The woman who lost her coins kept those coins on a headdress. In the biblical times, coins were unique to each particular area of the world and represented the leadership and kings of the day. Most of the time, the coins were made of silver and were very valuable. Most people of the day did not have many coins. When they did have coins, they kept them safe by wearing them or hiding them. In our story today, the woman lost a coin and searched all over her home for the coin. This coin would have been enough money to feed her and her family for about a month.

You are going to create your own coins. You get to decide whose face will be on the coin, what it will be worth, and what it will look like. Use the circle on your handout



to draw a circle on the cardboard. Then cut out your coin and cover it with aluminum foil. Once the foil is on the coin, use your pencil to create your design. Then use the markers to color in the design. You can create more than one coin if time allows.

Worship PR AY eR A nD PRAiSeSupplies: Bibles, Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook and Session 10, class Stuff—p. 5, DVD, DVD player, television or projector and screen, worship table, fabric to cover table, candle, lighter, cross, washi tape, permanent marker, duct tape


SAY: Today, we light our candle and remember that when we are lost, God will find us and care for us. (Light the candle.)

We are going to make a prayer band today. You will each be given a piece of washi tape. You will need to fold the tape in half. Using the permanent markers, write words on your band that will help you remember the parables of the lost coin and the lost sheep. You can also write names of people or describe situations that you would like to keep in your prayers this week. When you are finished, use a piece of duct tape to close the band together. Then, put the band on your wrist.

Over the next few Sundays, we will be making a different band each week. These will help us remember our parables and the people we should add to our prayers each day.


PRAY: Thank you, God, for the shepherd who looked for the lost sheep and the woman who looked for the lost coin. We know God you will always look for the lost and find them. Amen.



.


Found Art

Supplies: white glue, found items (light and small), cardboard piece

Instructions:

To create found art, ask the children to bring in items they have found over the last week. Make sure the items are small and light.

Glue these items to this picture to create a piece of art from the lost, now found items. You may want to glue the picture to a piece of cardboard to give it a little more stability.

After all of the items are glued to the picture, your group will have a new creation of all things are no longer lost, but found and new.



Coins


The Forgiving FatherBible Verse

Everyone who has ears should pay attention. Luke 8:8

Did You Know?

The parable for today has many different meanings. We are going to focus on how the father forgave the younger son. In this parable, we see three characters:

the father, the younger son, and the older son. For the younger son to ask for his inheritance before his father’s death shows that the younger son disrespected the father. Basically, the younger son is telling his father that he is no longer a part of the younger son’s life.

The younger son then takes his inheritance and goes off to spend it in his own way. It doesn’t take long before the younger son runs out of money. When the younger son gets to the point of feeding the pigs, he has reached the very bottom. For the Jewish people, the pig is an unclean animal and not only are they not to be eaten, but they are not to be handled at all. The younger son had reached the point of being desperate for help.

When the younger son comes home, the father welcomes him with open arms and with a party. The younger son is forgiven by the father. He will be honored and treated as a son, even though the younger son disrespected his father. The father offers the younger son forgiveness and love, just as God offers us forgiveness and love.

Today it is recommended that your class and other classes in Sunday school gather together for a celebration feast. Each group is asked to prepare a different part of the feast. The Older Elementary class will be asked to prepare the centerpieces. This is included in the session today.

For more Bible background information, deepbluekids.com.





Welcome

q Jump In! Family

q Jump In! Forgiveness



q Dive Deeper The Forgiving Father

q Grow Stronger Sticky Emotions

q Grow Stronger Forgiveness Frogs

q Grow Stronger It is a Celebration




Check out free samples of Deep Blue!

Scan this QR code—go directly to the Sample Curriculum page. Or visit deepbluekids.com.








• Welcome the children, and ask them to record their attendance and place any offering in the offering basket.

FA mi LYSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 27, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Family” (p. 27) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.

FoR gi V eneSSSupplies: Bibles, Kids Stuff—p. 28, pens or pencils

• Hand out “Forgiveness” (p. 28) and pens or pencils. Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.






SAY: The Deep Blue crew is headed out for a picnic today. Before the picnic Edgar shares a story with the others. Let’s watch.


• TIP •Today is the last day of the unit. On the DVD you will find a review. Incorporate this into your session if you have time.


The F oRgiVin g FAT h eRSupplies: Bibles, class Stuff—pp. 16 & 17

Hang the “Parables Poster” (pp. 16 &1 7).

SAY: Our Bible story today is in Luke 15:11-32. This is a great story that you may have heard before. Let’s take turns reading aloud.

ASK: How do you feel when you hear this of the forgiving father? I wonder how it would have felt to have left home to spend all that money. I wonder what it was like for the younger brother to come home.


Grow StrongerSTicKY em oTionSSupplies: sticky note sheets, pens or markers

SAY: The younger brother in our story asked his father to give him his inheritance before he died. This meant the younger son did not want to wait until his father died to receive his money. The younger son left home to make his own way in the world. On your sticky notes, write what you feel about the younger son and the father and stick your note on the wall.

Now, we think about what the younger son did while he was away from home. When you hear the story how does it make you feel about the younger son now? Write those feelings on the sticky notes and stick them to the wall.

Now, we see the younger son return home. The father runs out to the younger son to welcome him home. How do you feel about the younger son now? What about the father? Write those feelings on the sticky notes and stick them to the wall.

Lastly, the older son gets angry about his brother’s return and how his father welcomes his brother back into the family. The older son feels that he does not have anything really. How do you feel about the older son? Write those feelings on the sticky notes and stick them to the wall.

Let’s have some discussion about what you wrote and placed on the wall.

FoR giVen eSS FR ogSSupplies: Leader’s guide—p. 83, square paper of different colors, pencils, scissors

Photocopy “Forgiveness Frogs” (p. 83)

SAY: The father offered forgiveness to the younger son and welcomed him back into the family. Many times when we offer forgiveness, we provide a sign or an object to help the other person realize our forgiveness. Today, we are going to make a forgiveness frog. You can make more than one. Once you have made the forgiveness frog, you can take it to someone you need to ask forgiveness from or someone you want to offer forgiveness. This is your forgiveness frog. Follow the directions on the handout to make your forgiveness frog.



i T i S A ceLeBRATion

A celebration is in order. The Lost Son has returned and the father has forgiven him. It is time to call the whole people of Sunday school together to celebrate or to have a party within your Sunday school classroom. It is a time to enjoy a snack and to celebrate the lost. Use the forgiveness frogs as your centerpieces. If you are doing the celebration in your classroom, only provide snacks for your celebration.

SAY: When the younger son returned home, the father had a celebration for the younger son. Today, we will have our own celebration, a celebration to remember that when we are lost, God will find us.

Worship PR AY eR A nD PRAiSeSupplies: Bibles, Bible Stories & Stuff—Songbook and Session 10, class Stuff—p. 5, DVD, DVD player, television or projector and screen, worship table, fabric to cover table, candle, lighter, cross, Bible, washi tape, permanent marker, duct tape


SAY: Today we light our candle and remember the forgiveness the father offered to the younger son and the younger son’s return home. (Light the candle.)

SAY: We are going to make a prayer band today. You will each be given a piece of washi tape. You will need to fold the tape in half. Using the permanent markers, write words on your band that will help you remember the parable of the forgiving father. You also can write names of people or describe situations that you would like to keep in your prayers this week. When you are finished, use a piece of duct tape to close the band together. Then, put the band on your wrist.

The bands we have made today and over the last few weeks help us remember our parables and the people we should add to our prayers each day.


PRAY: Thank you, God, for the forgiving father. Thank you that we are able to be found by you when we are lost. Amen.



.

.• TIP •If you have time during your session today, have the children play the additional game: Parable Pictures, on page 84.


A B

For a video demonstration of how to create this activity, use this QR code.

Craft Activity: Origami Hopping Frog

You Will need: craft glue (optional), copy paper (green), scissors, wiggle eyes (optional) 1. Fold paper in half lengthwise. Open. (See

diagram.)2. Fold left top corner to right edge, about 2½''

from bottom edge as shown. Open. Repeat with right top corner to left edge. Open.

3. Fold top edge down to 2½'' from bottom edge. Do not open.

4. Fold points A and B (now top corners) so they meet in middle of paper. Open paper completely, then let the A and B folds meet in middle, creating a triangle on top.

5. Fold corners at A and B so the points meet at the top middle.6. Fold in each side to meet in middle, about 2''. 7. Fold up bottom edge about 2''.8. Fold down same edge onto itself, about 1''. 9. Turn frog over and press your finger down on frog’s back. Slide

your finger off frog’s back and watch frog hop away.

hint: Do not use construction paper. It is too thick and does not fold precisely enough.

Just for Fun: Add wiggle eyes to the frog’s head.



Additional GameParable Pictures

Supplies: markers, flip chart paper or white board with markers, basket

Instructions:Copy this handout and cut out the words at the bottom of the sheet and place them in a basket.Have the group gather together with the flip chart or white board in the middle of the group.Each child will have an opportunity to pull a word from the basket. The child drawing has one minute to draw the picture and for the rest of the class to figure out what they are drawing.The person who guesses the word correctly becomes the next to draw.Continue as long as there is time or everyone has had an opportunity.

Parable Pictures

sower

seeds

thorns

birds

good soil

good Samaritan

robbers

priest

Levite man

sheep

shepherd

woman

coin

father

younger son

older son

Winter 2016–2017 deepbluekids.com 85Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Mission ProjectBelow is the letter that will be sent home in the Bible Stories & Stuff. Make sure you are aware of the mission project for this quarter, and encourage the class to participate in the mission offering.

Dear Guardians,

This quarter we will be financially supporting Every Girl Counts and their new school, Bright Hope Education Center, a Christian secondary school that serves impoverished youth from the Kibera slum of Nairobi.

Every Girl Counts seeks to transforms the lives of impoverished girls and women around the world with the

Gospel of Christ while finding solutions to end poverty through educational and economic opportunities. Join the movement to educate, empower, and sustain impoverished women and girls through Bright Hope

Education Center and other Every Girl Counts projects.Every Girl Counts and Swahiba Youth Networks have

purchased a one-quarter-acre piece of property located approximately 4 miles outside the slum. The quiet, pastoral

setting offers an ideal place for kids to focus on their studies. Bright Hope will educate 120 kids annually, prepare them

for university, and help break the cycle of generational poverty.Learn more at: everygirlcounts.com/.You’ll find pictures and videos of this great organization in action there.

Your child’s class will collect an offering for this service organization. You may send the offering with your child

to class, or donate online at everygirlcounts.com/ by clicking the “Send a Girl to School” link in the center

of the webpage.

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86 Deep Blue Older Elementary Leader’s Guide • Dec/Jan/Feb


Let’s Go Deep Blue RemixTheme Song

Let’s go Deep Blue.Let’s go Deep Blue.Let’s go Deep Blue.Whoo!

Let’s go down where the water’s fine.The Deep Blue crew are friends of mine.The Bible’s like an ocean;there’s so much to explore.Dive in with devotion.You’re gonna want more, more, more.

We’re gonna go Blue, Deep Blue.Everybody grab a paddle.Gonna go Blue, Deep Blue. Shake it, rock and roll, and rattle.We’re gonna go Blue, Deep Blue. See everything there is to see.Start row, row, rowing.Got to get it going.Deep Blue.Deep Blue.

Splish, splish, splashby the sunny shore. Down, down, down to the ocean floor.The Bible’s like an oceanwith treasure deep inside.Time for an adventure.Come on, let’s ride (ride), ride (ride), ride (ride), ride (ride), ride.

We’re gonna go Blue, Deep Blue.Everybody grab a paddle.We’re gonna go Blue, Deep Blue. Shake it, rock and roll, and rattle.We’re gonna go Blue, Deep Blue.See everything there is to see.Start row, row, rowing.Got to get it going.Deep Blue.Deep Blue.

Let’s go (Let’s go) Deep Blue. (Deep Blue.)Let’s go (Let’s go) Deep Blue. (Deep Blue.)Let’s go (Let’s go) Deep Blue. (Deep Blue.)Let’s go, go, go. Whoo!

We’re gonna go Blue, Deep Blue.Everybody grab a paddle.Gonna go Blue, Deep Blue. Shake it, rock and roll, and rattle.We’re gonna go Blue, Deep Blue.See everything there is to see.Start row, row, rowing.Got to get it going.Deep Blue.

(Keep on rolling.) Deep Blue.(Keep on rolling.) Deep Blue.(You got to get it going.) Deep Blue.

WORDS: Dennis Scott

© 2016 Act IV Music

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The Songs of the SeasonDecember Song—Unit 1

The songs of the seasonare music to my ears.Christmas is the reasonfor the songs we love to hear,the songs we love to hear.

Like silent night, holy night,all is calm, all is bright.Sleep in heavenly peace,sleep in heavenly peace.


Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.The stars in the sky look down where he lay,the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.


O come, all ye faithful,joyful and triumphant,O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.

O come, let us adore him,O come, let us adore him,O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

And the songs of the seasonare music to my ears.Christmas is the reasonfor the songs we love to hear,the songs we love to hear.

Joy to the world.

Hark! the herald angels sing.

The first Noel.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree.

O holy night.

Go, tell it on the mountain.

Songs of the season.

WORDS: Dennis Scott


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Down to the RiverJanuary Song—Unit 2

Let’s go down to the river,down to the river where the going is good.Let’s go down to the river,down to where Jesus stood.Come, let’s go down to the river,down to the river where the going is good.Let’s go down to the river,down to where Jesus stood.(Come on!)

God’s Son, the only one,down by the river, by the riverside.God’s Son had just begundown by the river, by the riverside.God’s Son, in who we believe,down by the river, by the riverside.God’s Son, and God was pleaseddown by the riverside. (Oh, yeah!)

Let’s go down to the river,down to the river where the going is good.Let’s go down to the river,down to where Jesus stood.Come, let’s go down to the river,down to the river where the going is good.Let’s go down to the river,down to where Jesus stood.

God gave God’s only Sondown by the river, by the riverside.New life for everyonedown by the river, by the riverside.John told us what to dodown by the river, by the riverside.John said, “Be born anew,”down by the riverside.

Are you ready? (Oh, yeah!) Let’s go down to the river,down to the river where the going is good.Let’s go down to the river,down to where Jesus stood.Come, let’s go down to the river,down to the river where the going is good.Let’s go down to the river,down to where Jesus stood,down to where Jesus stood,where Jesus stood.

Let’s go!

WORDS: Dennis Scott


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Speak to My HeartFebruary Song—Unit 3

Speak to my heart, and I will listen.Speak to my heart; I’ll hear what you say.Speak to my heart; I want to listen.Tell me the stories; show me the way.

Speak to my heart, and I will listen.Speak to my heart; I’ll hear what you say.Speak to my heart; I want to listen.Tell me your stories; show me the way.

A parable is powerfulif you have ears, ears that will hear.A parable is powerful—the meaning of the words you’ve heard are clear.


Speak to my heart, and I will listen.Speak to my heart; I’ll hear what you say.Speak to my heart; I want to listen.Tell me your stories; show me the way.

A parable is powerfulif you have eyes, eyes that can see.A parable is powerful—and Jesus showed the way for you and me.


Speak to my heart, and I will listen.Speak to my heart; I’ll hear what you say. (Hear what you say.)Speak to my heart; I want to listen.Tell me your stories; show me the way.

Speak to my heart.Speak to my heart.Speak to my heart.Speak to my heart.Speak to my heart.

WORDS: Dennis Scott


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Isaiah 9:6 A child is born to us.

Child (baby) born

us

December Bible Verse Signs

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John 3:16 God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.

God

gave

world

son

loved

only

January Bible Verse Signs

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Luke 8:8 Everyone who has ears

should pay attention.

Everyone ears

pay attention

February Bible Verse Signs

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Reproducible PageBirthday Card

Have a fantastic birthday.See you in Sunday school for more Deep Blue.

To mail this card to a student, copy the card on card stock. Add the address and a note to the child on the back side.

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KatHello, my name is Kat. I am part of the Deep Blue Crew. Let me tell you a little about myself.

I am an adventurer. I really like to go! I like to tell people how much fun the adventure is. Sometimes this gets me in trouble. I go before I think about where I am going and what I may need for the adventure.

Some people call me reckless, but really, I just like to go and don’t stop to think before I go. I am trying to learn to think through my adventures before I head out.

I live with my grandmother and my brothers and sisters. We call her Grammy. I really love my grandmother and know she is a very special person. Grammy makes our lives an adventure each day.

Grammy takes all of us to Sunday school and worship each week. After supper each night, before we clean the kitchen, we take turns as a family reading the Bible, then we have our family prayer time. Grammy teaches me about God and how I can have a relationship with God.

My favorite place besides my Grammy’s kitchen table is the tree house. I enjoy going on adventures with Edgar and Asia. We saw a new kid up at the lighthouse the other day. Maybe we will be able to explore the lighthouse and find a new friend.

Kat Character Profile

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The last unit In the Scripture readings this quarter focuses on parables. Parables are stories Jesus told to impart lessons. For many Sunday school teachers, the parables are very familiar and easy to tell and the children are equally familiar with the stories. The challenge is to hear the parables with fresh ears each time they are read.

One method of hearing the Scripture differently is through a process called lectio divina. Lectio divina begins by reading the Scripture in its entirety. Then invite those who are hearing the Scripture to meditate on it as a whole or on a particular section. The hearer is then invited to pray the Scripture;

Lectio DivinaBy Leigh Meekins

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this could mean reading it as a prayer or using a particular section of it as a prayer. Finally the hearer is invited to contemplate the Scripture reading.

This process uses both meditation and contemplation. What is the difference? Meditation is about experiencing what is meditated upon through your emotions and your body’s five senses. Contemplation is to think deeply upon what is being contemplated. So the questions to ask for meditation might be what does it feel like to hear the parable or how do you feel about the parable? For contemplation the questions might be what do you think about the parable or what does the parable mean to you?

Praying the Scripture is a powerful tool for all who practice lectio divina. Prayers become centered around the Scripture reading but also open the door for the person to discover a deeper prayer time. Additionally, the Scripture provides the person participating a boundary for their prayers. Both children and adults struggle with staying focused during prayers. The Scripture allows the person the freedom to wallow in prayer intentionally.

Lectio divina helps the reader or hearer of the Scripture to dig deeper into the familiar passages. By only focusing on one Scripture reading, the person is not distracted by the whole Bible. This might be a great way to invite the children into a deeper relationship with God and God’s word. Focused Scripture prayers can allow the children to open themselves up to hearing God and what God has to say to them. Older elementary children crave these opportunities to expand their relationship with God.

Another way to do lectio divina is through coloring. Invite the children to sit comfortably with a blank paper in front of them and crayons or colored pencils. Read through the Scripture quickly, then read it through a little more slowly. Ask the children to draw several different reactions to the Scripture on their paper and to pray what they heard. After they have had a few minutes to complete this task, read the Scripture again slowly. This time ask the children to find a particular image on their paper to focus on and to contemplate what it means for them and how they can build on their relationship with God through the Scripture. After a few minutes in this exercise, close with a short prayer.

Lectio divina can begin with short intervals between the different sections. The more you or your children practice lectio divina the longer your intervals can be. Remember some days are easier to create time between the intervals than others. All of us have different experiences each day. Be aware of the body language of those participating. When there is restlessness, it is time to move to the next section of the practice. Though do not be surprised if the children have the ability to focus and that time before wiggling grows with each section of lectio divina.

Try lectio divina with the children in your class. You might find that you and the children grow in your faith walk and in relationship with God.

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800-672-1789 | Cokesbury.comCall your local Community Resource Consultant

Some of your church’s very youngest children can understand the Bible with the help of the Deep Blue Bible Storybook. Written in language children ages 3 to 6 can understand, it includes 146 stories that will help your children learn the books of the Bible and practice beginning Bible skills.

Children love the Deep Blue curriculum characters that are featured in the stories and will look forward to learning prayers and fun songs set to familiar tunes with their Deep Blue friends. Abingdon Press.

9781501815010. Hardcover. $21.99; Cokesbury Price $14.73

Help young children dive deep into God’s story!

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Fall 2016—Summer 2017

Vol. 2 • No. 2 • WINTER 2016

EdIToRIal / dEsIgN TEam

Leigh Meekins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .EditorPamela Crosby/Madeline Walls . .Production EditorsMark Foltz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Designer

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Church School PublicationsMary M . Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Design ManagerBrittany Sky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Senior Editor

Children’s Resources

Deep Blue: Older Elementary, Leader’s Guide: An official resource for The

United Methodist Church approved by Discipleship Ministries (General Board of Discipleship) and published

quarterly by Cokesbury, a division of The United Methodist Publishing House,

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To order copies of this publication, call toll free: 800-672-1789. You may fax your order to 800-445-8189. Telecommunication Device for the Deaf/Telex Telephone: 800-227-4091. Or order online at cokesbury.com. Use your Cokesbury account, American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard.

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Scripture quotations, unless noted otherwise, are from the CEB Deep Blue Kids Bible . Copyright © 2012 by the Common English Bible . All rights reserved . Used by permission . (www.CommonEnglishBible.com)

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Fall 2016 Winter 2016–17 Spring 2017 Summer 2017UNIT 1: Joseph’s

JourneyUNIT 1: The Stories of

ChristmasUNIT 1: Jesus

Shows LoveUNIT 1: Courageous

Bible People


December 4 Mary’s Story

March 5 To Ten Lepers

June 4 Courageous Disciples

September 11 Joseph in Egypt

December 11 Joseph’s Story

March 12 To Zacchaeus

June 11 Courageous Queen

September 18 Joseph Saves the Day

December 18 Jesus’ Story

March 19 At the Last Supper

June 18 Courageous Friends


Reunited

December 25 Shepherds’ Story

March 26 In the Garden

June 25 Courageous Daniel

UNIT 2: Freedom UNIT 2: Jesus, God’s Son

UNIT 2: Hosanna! UNIT 2: Speakers for God

October 2 The Baby in the Basket

January 1 Search for the King

April 2 Cock-a-doodle-doo!

July 2 Elijah and the Ravens

October 9 The Burning Bush

January 8 Talk With the Teachers

April 9 Hosanna!

July 9 Elijah and the Prophets

October 16 Moses and Pharaoh

January 15 Come to the River

April 16 Alleluia!

July 16 Jonah and the Fish

October 23 Crossing the Sea

January 22 Change the Water

April 23 Come to Breakfast!

July 23 Elisha and the Widow’s Jars

October 30 Songs of Joy

January 29 Born Anew

April 30 Feed My Sheep!

July 30 Elisha and the Servant Girl

UNIT 3: God Provides UNIT 3: The Parables UNIT 3: Peter Rocks! UNIT 3: God Chooses Joshua

November 6 In the Wilderness

February 5 The Sower

May 7 Peter and John

August 6 God Chooses Joshua

November 13 Ten Commandments

February 12 The Good Samaritan

May 14 Peter and Tabitha

August 13 Spies in Canaan

November 20 A House for God

February 19 The Stories of the Lost

May 21 Peter and Cornelius

August 20 Crossing the Jordan

November 27 The Peaceable Kingdom

February 26 The Forgiving Father

May 28 Peter in Prison

August 27 Jericho

Scope sequence

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Documents

Deep Blue Bible Storybook… · CD-ROM Vocal and instrumental recordings of the songs for each unit, a PowerPoint® presentation of the song lyrics, and printed sheet music with lyrics