JESUS - WordPress.com · 8/1/2014 · worship event of their lives when the angels joyously announced the news! Everyone who encountered Jesus (and recognized why He had come) responded

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WORSHIPTM

UN IT 1. CELEBRATE JESUS / PRESCHOOL

SESS ION 1 - PROPHETS TOLD ABOUT

JESUS

BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Micah 5:2

LIFE POINT: People wrote about Jesus before He was born.

CHRIST FOCUS: Jesus was God’s plan all along.

BIBLE VERSE: God sent Jesus to save the world. 1 John 4:14 (Paraphrase)

The Father has sent His Son as the world’s Savior. 1 John 4:14 (HCSB)

The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1 John 4:14 (KJV)

The Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (NIV)

The Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (ESV)

The Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (NKJV)

Production Notes

p From simple to involved, you can tailor Worship for Life to your kids and leaders:

•Short on supplies and leaders? For an easy prep, enlist a host, a music leader, and prepare the Connection Point game. Then show the videos for the worship songs and other segments.

•Do you have musicians who would like to lead worship songs? Check out the lead sheets on the DVD-ROM or substitute your songs!

v This symbol denotes that the segment or song is available on video.

h This symbol indicates props that will be needed for today’s session.

WORSHIPTM

Schedule and Props

v This symbol indicates that a video is provided on the DVD-ROM.

p This symbol indicates that the activity is host or leader-led—no video for this activity.

p Huddle Ups (Optional) People: Small Group Leaders Supplies: “Prophets Told About Jesus” Coloring Sheet (DVD-ROM), crayons or washable markers

v Backstage Intro 1-2 minutes People: Stage Manager Props: headset (doesn’t have to work; hide end of cord in pocket), umbrella

v Countdown and Welcome 1-5 minutes People: Host Props: raincoat, rain hat

v Worship Song 3 minutes People: Worship Leader and/or Worship Team

p Connection Point Game 5-10 minutes People: Host, 2 kids Props: 2 simple, age-appropriate puzzles

v Bible Story 5-6 minutes People: Storyteller Props: raincoat, rain hat, umbrella

v Worship Song 3 minutes People: Worship Leader and/or Worship Team

v Host Set-up, Briana and Friends Video 2 minutes People: Host

p Closing 2 minutes People: Host Props: raincoat, rain hat

v Backstage Outro 1-2 minutes People: Stage Manager Props: headset off ears and around neck, umbrella

p Huddle Ups (Optional) People: Small Group Leaders Supplies: world map, stickers, game pieces

2WORSHIP FOR LIFE | PRESCHOOL UNIT 1 | SESSION 1

WORSHIPTM

a message from Anthony Evans

Since Adam and Eve took that first bite of fruit, the world has been waiting for a Savior to mend our broken relationship with God. When Jesus was born, the shepherds were treated to the worship event of their lives when the angels joyously announced the news! Everyone who encountered Jesus (and recognized why He had come) responded with joyful worship. Jesus came to save what was lost—us! That is the wonderful gift we celebrate at Christmas. God sent Jesus to save us from our sin and bring us back into good standing with Him. Joy!

t TECH

• Video and/or audio capabilities

• Microphones for singers

• Lights (optional)

• Optional sound effects available (see sound effects file)

m music

• “Angel’s Lullaby”

• “Born in Bethlehem”

• “Let Us Adore Him”

• “Do Do Do The Right Thing”

• “The Right Thing”

• “Listen and Obey”


WORSHIPTMp HUDDLE UPS (OPT IONAL)

Huddle ups are for churches that have a drop-off time before the session begins. There are multiple ideas for interaction during this time, such as simple games that preschoolers can play on the floor or within whatever arrangements you gather your kids. This time can continue for a few seconds even after the stage manager addresses the crowd.

(Print the following for your small group leaders.)

Get-to-know-you Questions and Interaction:

• What is your favorite color?

• What is your SECOND favorite color?

Make It Interactive: OK, I’m going to ask you to choose between two things. When I say two things and point, I want you to go to the place that you’re choosing.

• If you had to choose between pizza (points to a spot) or ice cream (points to a different spot), what would you choose?

(Continue in a similar fashion with the following choices. Hopefully kids will be moving around and discovering people with similar interests, likes and dislikes.)

• Between the ocean or the swimming pool?

• Green beans or broccoli?

• Mac and Cheese or spaghetti?

• Ice cream or chocolate chip cookies?

Color “Prophets Told About Jesus” Coloring Sheets

• Tell preschoolers that today they will have the opportunity to learn a Bible story about people that wrote about Jesus before He was born.

• Provide coloring supplies and coloring sheets to the preschoolers. Allow them to color on their pages while they wait for the session to begin.

• If the kids prefer to use blank paper, they can color on the back of the page.


WORSHIPTMv BACKSTAGE INTRO

c Estimated time: 1-2 minutes

t Tech: Video option available, Prophets Told About Jesus slide

p People: Stage Manager (wears headset; holds umbrella)

h Props: umbrella, headset (doesn’t have to work; hide end of cord in pocket)

(Show video or act out the following.)

STAGE MANAGER

(Show Prophets Told About Jesus slide.) Hey, everybody! I’m so glad you guys are here! (continually appears to be listening for rain/thunder) It’s going to be a great day … I’m sorry if I seem distracted. It’s just that … hold on … (talks into headset) Guys, can anybody tell me if it’s raining or thundering outside? I’m backstage, so I can’t tell. (listens intently; holds up finger to the audience) I know you guys are in the booths, but can anybody see out a window? No? Well, do you THINK it’s raining? (sighs) Thanks anyway.

(addresses audience) Guys, I’ve been wondering all day if it’s going to rain, but no one here seems to know. I mean, it kind of looks gray outside, but I can’t really tell! I wish there was someone who could tell us what the weather might do. (Hopefully, kids will start responding that a weatherman/woman or meteorologist could but just ignore them.) Oh, well, I guess I’ll just go ahead and put my umbrella up so that I’m ready no matter what. (pops open umbrella; holds it overhead) Whew! OK, I feel better that I’m totally prepared if it’s raining outside. I won’t even have to stop! I can just walk right out.

Well, now that we’ve got that squared away, I’m really excited about what’s going on today. Our team has been working so hard to get prepared for you. Today, we’re going to find out that some men who lived a very, very, very long time ago knew about something very important that was going to happen. In fact, they knew that someONE very important was coming. Now, if I could just figure out how to tell if it was going to rain.

Oh, what’s that? (talks into headset) Perfect! Well, guys, the people on the other side of this headset say that they’re ready to go, so are YOU ready to go? Awesome! Then there’s only one thing left for me to say … PLACES!! (runs offstage)


WORSHIPTMv COUNTDOWN AND WELCOME


t Tech: Countdown video, Life Point slide, Bible Verse slide

p People: Host

h Props: raincoat, rain hat

HOST

(Play Countdown video. Host walks out at around 30 seconds wearing raincoat and rain hat.)

Good morning everyone! Let’s all stand up and get ready to count down together! 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!

Great job! You guys can have a seat. Today is going to be a great day. First though, does anyone know if it’s raining? Wow (inserts Backstage Manager’s name) told me I better wear this stuff because it might rain. I just wish there was someone who could tell us if it was going to rain! (Kids may begin responding with weatherman or weatherwoman answers. Ignore them and move on.) Well, anyway, there are very important things we want you guys to know today.

(Show Life Point slide.) We want you to know that people wrote about Jesus before He was born. Let’s say that together. (Repeat with slide.) People wrote about Jesus before He was born. That’s right! When did they write about Him? Before He was born!

(Show Bible Verse slide—select preferred version.) Our Bible verse today tells us why Jesus came too! It’s from 1 John 4:14 and it says:

• God sent Jesus to save the world. 1 John 4:14 (Paraphrase)

• The Father has sent His Son as the world’s Savior. 1 John 4:14 (HCSB)

• The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1 John 4:14 (KJV)

• The Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (NIV)

• The Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (ESV)

• The Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (NKJV)

Great job! Today we are going to worship Jesus, so will you guys stand so that we can sing to Him?


WORSHIPTMv WORSH IP SONG

c Estimated time: 3 minutes

t Tech: Music or lyric video, mics for singers, lights (optional)

m Music: “Born in Bethlehem” (lead sheet available on DVD-ROM) or worship song of your choice

p People: Worship Leader and/or Worship Team

h Props: none

WORSHIP LEADER

Let’s sing together and tell God how thankful we are that He sent Jesus to save the world.

(Show the music or lyric video.)

(Lead kids to sit as song ends.) Now, let’s get ready for Connection Point!


WORSHIPTMp CONNECT ION PO INT GAME


t Tech: Connection Point slide, Connection Point theme music

p People: Host, 2 kids

h Props: 2 simple, age-appropriate puzzles

Game Instructions:

This game is designed for 2 competing players (boys vs. girls), onstage with the Host. The object of the game is for the players to complete an age-appropriate puzzle more quickly than the other player, with the help of leader.

Host

(Play Connection Point theme music and show Connection Point slide.)

Hey, guys, welcome to Connection Point! I’ll explain the rules in just a minute, but before I do, I need a couple of volunteers. (Use the best way you can to choose kids—either 2 kids versus each other or two teams of 2 who can work together. You can play some music while kids are being selected.)

Today, we have two great players who are going race to put some puzzles together. How many of you like puzzles?

(Allow for limited response, but not much interaction.)

Me, too! So, when I say “Go,” we’re going to cheer our friends along while they race to make the puzzles, OK?

Are you two ready? All right…on your marks, get set, go!

(While the kids are assembling, fun music can be playing while the audience cheers them on.)

Great job! (The Host can interact with the kids about what they just did before sending them back with their leaders.)

Can you tell us what your puzzle is a picture of?

Everyone let’s give our players a big round of applause!

(Theme music/slide to transition. Host leads into next segment.)


WORSHIPTMv B IBLE STORY


t Tech: Christ Focus, Life Point, and Bible Story slides; Bible Story video

p People: Storyteller

h Props: raincoat, rain hat, umbrella

(Play the Bible Story video or tell the following Bible story.)

STORYTELLER

(Show Bible Story slide.) Hey everyone! My name is ___________ and I’m excited to be able to be here with you. You guys have already seen these things today, right? (holds up props) What are they? That’s right! A raincoat, a rain hat and an umbrella. What do they protect us from? Right! Rain and getting wet! Everyone today is really worried about if it’s raining outside! (sets props aside) Did you know that if they would just watch the news, they could know if it’s going to rain? The weather people tell us that, don’t they? Weather people go to school for many years to learn all about weather and tell what the weather is going to do. I’m going to have to let the Host and Backstage Manager know about weather people when we’re done today.

You know, I had a friend who lived in Georgia and she hardly ever got to see snow. She was too far south where it was warm a lot and the sun would shine. But one time the winter was REALLY cold and the weather people started talking about snow. You know what happens if it snows, right? You can build a snowman! My friend got up really, really early when the weather people thought there would be snow and she watched the news and pressed her face up against the window and just praaaaaaaaaaayed for snow! Have you ever done that?

Today, we’re talking about two guys called prophets. Can you say that with me? PROPHETS! Right! Prophets told people something that God wanted everyone to know. They didn’t go to school to become prophets like the weather people though. God would choose the person He wanted to use and would give them His special message and ask them to tell others. Sometimes, God was telling people bad things that would happen if they did not start obeying Him. Have you ever had your parents tell you what would happen if you didn’t obey? Me, too! But, sometimes God trusted these prophets to tell people really good news that God wanted everyone to know!

The two prophets we’re talking about are Isaiah and Micah. What were their names? Isaiah and Micah, good! They lived a LONG time, like hundreds of years, before Jesus was born. But, God wanted them to let everyone know that Jesus was coming! God trusted Isaiah to tell people that a baby would be born and He would be named Immanuel. That’s another name for Jesus. People heard what Isaiah said. Then they told it to their children and grandchildren. Soon many, many people were looking for when Jesus would be born.

God told Micah where Jesus would be born! God said Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. Where was Jesus born? Bethlehem! God wanted to make very sure that people knew Jesus was coming and where He would be born.


WORSHIPTM

(Show Christ Focus Slide.) Sending Jesus as Savior to Bethlehem was God’s plan all along. Even from a long, long, LONG time ago when Isaiah and Micah told people about Jesus, God was planning to send Him. That’s good news since Jesus would be the Savior of the world.

I think I better go let the others know that all they have to do is turn on the news and they can know ahead of time if it’s going to rain. Weather people aren’t the same as prophets, but they can at least tell us the weather! (gathers up props) Before I do that, would you pray with me?

(Show Life Point slide. Play soft music under prayer.)

Dear God, thank You so much for having a plan to send Jesus as the Savior of the world. Thank You for telling people ahead of time so that they could be watching for Jesus. We are so thankful for Your plan and that You knew all along that Jesus was coming. We love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


WORSHIPTMv WORSH IP SONG


t Tech: Music or lyric video, mics for singers, lights (optional)

m Music: “Let Us Adore Him” (lead sheet available on DVD-ROM) or download “Happy Day”

p People: Worship Leader and/or Worship Team

h Props: none

WORSHIP LEADER

Jesus was God’s plan all along. Let’s sing about what a great gift Jesus is from God!

(Show the music or lyric video.)

(Lead kids to sit as song ends.)


WORSHIPTMv HOST SET-UP, BR IANA AND FR IENDS V IDEO


t Tech: Briana and Friends video

p People: Host

h Props: none

HOST

Who was God’s plan all along? (pauses for responses) That’s right! Jesus was God’s plan all along. Our friend, Briana, is going to talk to us about today’s Bible story.

Listen carefully and remember, when she asks you a question, be sure to say your answers aloud!

(Play video.)


WORSHIPTMp CLOS ING


t Tech: Prophets Told About Jesus slide, Bible Verse slide

p People: Host

h Props: raincoat, rain hat

HOST

(Show Prophets Told About Jesus slide. Host enters carrying raincoat and hat rather than wearing them.) I guess I didn’t end up needing these things, did I? (drops raincoat and hat on floor) Backstage, (Storyteller’s name) reminded us that we can just watch the news and see the weather forecast when we want to know if it’s going to rain. I should have thought of that. But, today, I loved hearing about the prophets who told that Jesus was going to come! God chose people to tell His wonderful news!

Optional Giving Segment: Just like God gave the prophets wonderful news to share with people and gave Jesus for our sins, we can give, too. One of the ways that we can thank God for His gift of Jesus is by giving to Him. If you’d like to give today, …

(Give your own directions for how the kids give an offering. Perhaps you have buckets in the back of the room, a chest up front, or a basket that each small group leader passes.)

This week our Bible verse tells us how important Jesus is. Let’s say our verse together:

(Show Bible Verse slide—select preferred version.)

• God sent Jesus to save the world. 1 John 4:14 (Paraphrase)

• The Father has sent His Son as the world’s Savior. 1 John 4:14 (HCSB)

• The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1 John 4:14 (KJV)

• The Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (NIV)

• The Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (ESV)

• The Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (NKJV)

Next week we’ll hear about some different messengers God sent to tell about Jesus. See you then!


WORSHIPTMv BACKSTAGE OUTRO


t Tech: Video option available, Prophets Told About Jesus slide

p People: Stage Manager

h Props: headset off ears and around neck, umbrella

(Show video or act out the following.)

STAGE MANAGER

(Show Prophets Told About Jesus slide.) (holds up folded umbrella while talking) Well, I feel kind of silly. I spent a lot of time worrying about something that I could have easily known if I’d just turned on the news and watched the weather! But the way I was looking for and preparing for the rain is really how we should be preparing for Jesus to come back. Did you know that? We can be watching for Him to come because God has promised that He will. Now THAT is cool!

Today, through our Bible story time, we learned that a long time before Jesus was born, God told prophets about Him. God even told one prophet where Jesus would be born! Aren’t you glad God had a plan all along? Me, too.

Be sure to grab a One Conversation™ page on your way out. It will help you talk with your family about what you’ve learned.

See you next week!


WORSHIPTMp HUDDLE UPS (OPT IONAL)

This time is designed for churches that have a pick-up time from a large room as parents arrive. It’s a great time for follow-up conversations and questions from small group leaders about the session’s content. You also can use the missions emphasis (below).

(Print the following for your small group leaders.)

• Do you think people were excited about Jesus being born in Bethlehem?

• What are some things you’re excited about? (going to visit grandparents, decorating the Christmas tree, Christmas parties, stockings with candy)

MISSIONS EMPHASIS (OPTIONAL) • Tell the Shirey’s missionary story. (below)

• Put a large world map on the floor. Help kids find their home state and place a sticker on it. Place a game marker on the sticker. Tell the children that they will help you find the Shirey’s home.

• Ask questions to review the missions story. Move the game marker closer to Suriname on the map with each correct answer. Complete the game by “arriving” in Suriname and putting a sticker on the map.

• Lead a prayer time for the Shirey family and the Aukan people of Suriname.

Missions Story: Shireys in Suriname

More than 300 years ago, a group of people known as the Aukans traveled down big rivers to live in the rainforest of South America. They settled in the country of Suriname. Now more than 15,000 Aukaners live there in grass huts next to the rivers. Many of them have never heard about Jesus.

Charles and Brittany Shirey are missionaries. They have three kids named Ethan, Caleb, and Abigail. Their family rides on motorboats on those same rivers. They are far away from the big cities and neighborhoods. There are no roads or cars. They walk on dirt paths to visit people in the villages. Their life is very different and exciting, but it also can be dangerous and frustrating.

So why are the Shireys in Suriname? They believe that God wants them to live among the Aukan people and tell them about Jesus. It is not easy living there, but the people need to hear the gospel. There are dangers in being close to the river, such as poisonous snakes, fish, and spiders. But, the Shireys are used to the challenges of living in a jungle.

Ethan, Caleb, and Abigail are growing up in the jungle. They love telling people about Jesus. Their dad, Charles, visits Aukaners in the villages during the day, and he leads Bible studies for them at night. The people do not know how to read, but they like hearing and telling stories. It is exciting to see the people learn about God and the truth of the Bible stories.

Charles and Brittany Shirey are trusting God in their missions work in Suriname. They trust God for needs such as water to drink. They trust God to help Ethan, Caleb, and Abigail learn and grow, and they trust God with the work they do in reaching the Aukan people with the gospel of Jesus.


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JESUS - WordPress.com · 8/1/2014 · worship event of their lives when the angels joyously announced the news! Everyone who encountered Jesus (and recognized why He had come) responded