3U N I T

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BIBLE STORY

“Baby Jesus Goes to Church” Luke 2:21-38

BIBLE TRUTH

Church is a special place to learn about God.

LESSON GOAL

To help children feel comfortable and loved at church, a special place to learn about God.

UNIT BIBLE VERSE

“Let us go to the house of [God]” (Psalm 122:1).

DoN’T ForgeT!

Remember to distribute Baby’s First May to parents of babies. Give Toddler Time to parents of toddlers.

Thank You, God, for My Church

Time Out for TeachersFor the little ones in your care, going to church is just an extension of life—as

natural as breathing. It’s what they’ve always done. Church is a safe place where they can feel secure and loved. It is also a special place to learn about God.

Psalm 100:4 describes how people should come to God’s house. They should come with an attitude of worship. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and bless his name.”

Children and adults come to church for the first time needing to be cared for, loved, and accepted for who they are. Church should be a safe place where everyone can learn about God and worship Him.

You have probably heard the term “church family.” A church should operate like a family. The church is God’s hands and feet, working to love and accept others who have not encountered Jesus or who are just learning about Him. The church should be a place of safety and care so others can come without fear to learn about our wonderful God.

As We Grow . . .Babies are learning to trust their caretakers and feel secure in their environ-

ment. Between six and nine months of age, babies begin to grasp the concept of object permanence. (I can’t see Mommy, but I know she is still there, somewhere.) Stranger anxiety and separation anxiety begin at this age. Consistency of caregiv-ers will help to reduce the babies’ stress in this phase. Consistent routines will reduce fear and help the babies feel secure.

Security is also a concern for increasingly independent toddlers. Some of the security you provide will be in ensuring their safety. Toddlers are quick and curious. They want to taste and test everything. They attempt new feats, sometimes beyond what they can do with limited motor skills. Walking is still being perfected, so falls are common.

Twos need security and love too. The security you provide them may be through safety, consistency, and lovingly firm and consistent discipline.

As you guide the children, correct them lovingly. Affirm them as valuable members of the Body of Christ. Provide the security they need to continue to grow as healthy, confident individuals.

Connect with MeWe know the church is more than just a building. However, toddlers, twos,

and babies are too young to understand this. To them, church is the building they go into. Church is the place where Mommy and Daddy leave them with others who care for them. In time, little ones can begin to see nursery workers and teachers as part of their “church family.” Nursery caregivers and teachers are responsible to help young children feel loved, valued, protected, and cared for in the place where they learn about God.

All Scripture quotations, unless indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.Toddlers, Twos and Babies too! Teacher is published quarterly by WordAction Publishing Company, 2923 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64109. Copyright by WordAction Publishing Company.®

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The Church Is God’s Special House

What We Do at Church

God’s Word at God’s House

Let’s Go to Church!

My Church Family Cares For Me

UNIT 3

Church: A special place to learn about God.

NoTe: Goldfish crackers are a great low-sugar snack substitute for this center.

Babies are learning to trust. What happens to them can affect their relationship with other people and their relationship with God. Babies can grow up able to trust God and other people if their most basic needs are met with loving consistency and if clear boundaries are set and then lovingly kept. As you respond to the babies’ needs promptly and give appropriate affection, you are making the babies feel safe, loved, and comfortable at church.

ACTIVE LEARNINGBecause of the varied activities provided in some centers, you will need to be selective. You cannot do all of them in one session. Please refer to pages 4-5 for instruction on center use.

Center 1: THE CHURCH IS GOD’S SPECIAL HOUSE

What I See in God’s Special House (Toddlers and Twos)Punch out the church and the window from

Toddlers/Twos Connections, Sheet 3A. Hold up the church and ask, Does anyone know what this is? (Allow

answers.) This is a church. Look through the window. What do you see? Help the children look through the window. Have the children face different directions and name what they see.

Say, The church is a special place. It is God’s special house. We go to church to learn about God. Thank You, God, for our church.

Graham Cracker Churches (Toddlers and Twos)Say, Let’s make little churches we can eat! Place

a graham cracker square on a small paper plate. Help the children use a craft stick to spread white frosting on the graham cracker. Help the children put a rectangular piece of chocolate bar onto the cracker for the door. Let the children use M & M’s or Skittles for colorful windows. Use yellow tube icing to make a cross on top of the church.

Say, The church is a special building. It is God’s house. Thank You, God, for our church!

• Toddlers/Twos Connections, Sheet 3A

• graham cracker squares

• craft stick• white frosting• sprinkles• tube of yellow icing• chocolate bar

rectangles• M & M’s or Skittles

NoTe: Children will eventually begin to associate crosses with God and the church. Most churches have crosses on them. Children will start to see the cross as a symbol for God’s special house. Point out crosses in your church or on your church building to them.

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Do this classic finger play for the babies.

Here is the church. (Fold hands with fingers interlocking, pointing downward.)

Here is the steeple. (Put pointer fingers together pointing up, cross thumbs.)

open the doors and see all the people. (Keep fingers together, open hands, turn palm-side-up, and wiggle your fingers.)

The little one here. (Wiggle pinky finger.)

That one is me. (Point to the baby.)

And this is [your name] (Point to self.)

Who takes care of me! (Give baby a hug or a tickle.)

(All)

Show the children how to pantomime each verse.

To Our Church(Tune: “Are You Sleeping?”)

Walking, walking, walking, walkingTo our church, to our church!We go to church to pray and singAnd tell God thanks for everything.Thank You, God! Thank You, God!

Running, running, running, runningTo our church, to our church!We go to church to pray and singAnd tell God thanks for everything.Thank You, God! Thank You, God!

(Other actions: driving, jumping)

Building God’s House (Toddlers and Twos)Say, The church is a special place. It is God’s

house. We go to church to learn about God. Let’s use these blocks to build a church. Help the children make a building with the blocks. Provide toy building tools to foster creative play. Make a cross from paper and place it on the church when it is finished. Say, When people see a cross on a building, they know it is a church. Show the children a picture of the cross on the outside of your church, if possible.

• building blocks• small paper crosses• toy building tools

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Unit Bulletin BoardCover the board with paper, then make a church shape from paper and

attach it to the board. Place the Bible verse across the bottom of the board: “Let us go to the house of [God]” (Psalm 122:1). With parents’ permission, take group photos of your nursery classes. Trace a child’s left and right shoes, and cut out the footprints. Make one footprint for each child. Print the children’s names on the footprint, attaching them to the board to make a set of footprints leading to the church.

Center 2: WHAT WE DO AT CHURCHHouse of Music (Toddlers and Twos)

Use a blanket or rug to designate an area for the House of Music. Place a CD player and age-appropriate praise music CDs on a table or shelf. Provide a container of toy and real musical instruments for children to play. Allow a few children at a time to go into this area. Say, We use instruments and our voices to make music for God in church. Church is a very special place. It is God’s special house. Listen to the worship music with

the children. Encourage the children to sing along with the music. Encourage the children to play the instruments to make their own music for God.

Put a soft pillow into a laundry basket or a wagon with high sides. Say, The Bible says, “Let us go to the house of [god]” (Psalm 122:1). Let’s take a ride around our church! Place babies who are able to sit unsupported into the basket or wagon. Push or pull the babies around. Point out people and familiar objects. Sing as you stroll along:

(Tune: “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush”)

This is the way we ride to church,Ride to church, ride to church.This is the way we ride to church.Thank You, God, for my church!

“Let us go to the house of [God]” Psalm 121:1

Lisa

Lydia

GarrettTonya

Tyler

Devin

• CD player• age-appropriate

worship music• toy and real musical

instruments• small blanket or rug to

designate the area

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House of Praise (All)Say, The Bible says God made us to praise Him.

Let’s use these pretty scarves to praise God as we sing. Give each child a colorful scarf or ribbon. Help the children wave their scarves as you sing this song.

A Praise Song to God(Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”)

Lift your hands and praise the Lord.Wave your arms and praise the Lord.Twirl around, around, around.Bend right over, touch the ground.Jump right up and shout, “AMEN!God, You are my dearest friend!”

Hold a colorful scarf or ribbon several inches away from a baby’s face. Move the scarf around slowly, letting the baby’s eyes track the scarf’s movement. Sing “A Praise Song to God” as you move the scarf. Ask, Do you see the pretty colors? I praised god with singing and with pretty colors. The Bible says, “Let us go to the house of [god]” (Psalm 122:1). At church we praise god, and we learn about god. Now it’s your turn to praise god. Place a scarf in baby’s hand and let the baby try to wave it. Wave your scarf and sing your song again. Let the baby imitate you. Say, We praise You, god. Thank You for our church.

House of Thanks (Toddlers and Twos)Provide an empty box to serve as a pretend church.

Draw a cross on the side of the box. Say, The church is a special place to learn about God. The Bible says, “Let us go to the house of [God]” (Psalm 122:1). Let’s all pretend our dolls are going to church! Give each child an opportunity to put a doll in the “church.” Then say, We also give thanks to God at church. Thank You, God, for [child’s name], and thank You, God, for our church! Encourage each child to say “Thank You, God.”

• empty box• marker• dolls

• scarves or ribbons

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Place a baby on his or her back on the floor. Move the baby’s feet in a running motion until he or she begins to kick and laugh. Sing this song to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell.”

‘Though I am very small,My praise is ten feet tall.I wiggle and giggle for you.I love to praise my God!

Say, The Bible says, “Let us go to the house of [god]” (Psalm 122:1). We can wiggle and giggle at church. Thank You, god, for our wiggles and giggles. Thank You for our church.

House of Prayer (Toddlers and Twos)Print off copies of the “Five Little Fingers” prayer

poem. Glue the poem onto the center of a large piece of construction paper turned horizontally. Provide smocks for the children. Paint each child’s hands with a paintbrush and washable paint. Place the child’s handprints on the construction paper on either side of the poem. Print the child’s name on the paper and set it aside to dry.

Say, The Bible says, “Let us go to the house of [God]” (Psalm 122:1). What do we do at church? (Allow answers.) One of the things we do at church is talk to God. This is called prayer. Thank You, God, for our church, where we can pray. Teach the children the “Five Little Fingers” prayer poem and motions.

• photocopies of “Five Little Fingers Prayer Poem” below

• large construction paper

• paint• paint smocks• paintbrush• glue

ACTION POEMFive Little Fingers Prayer Poem

Five little fingers god gave to me (Wiggle fingers.)

The first one says, “Praise god! Yippee!” (Hold up one finger.)

The second one says, “I’m sorry for my wrongs.” (Hold up two fingers.)

The third one says, “Thanks, god, for all You’ve done.” (Hold up three fingers.)

The fourth one says, “Help me, god, please!” (Hold up four fingers.)

The fifth one says, “Help my friends and family.” (Hold up five fingers.)

Five little fingers help me to pray (Put hands together to pray.)

To god, who loves me very much! Hooray! (Cheer!)

© Copyright by WordAction Publishing Company™. This page may be copied for use in local church ministries.

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NoTe: For sit-down activities, use carpet squares or soft pillows for toddlers to sit on. This helps the toddlers from getting into each other’s space. It also helps you to redirect them when they are doing something they shouldn’t.

Center 3: GOD’S WORD AT GOD’S HOUSEWhere We Learn About God (Toddlers and Twos)Invite the children to explore the Bible story area

in your classroom. Provide a bin, basket, or shelf of children’s Bibles and Bible story books for the children to look at. Provide some soft washable pillows, beanbags, or small rugs for the children to sit on. Say, Church is a special place to learn about God. We use the Bible at church to help us learn about God. Let the children choose a Bible and Bible story for you to read to them.

At My Church (Toddlers and Twos)Cut apart one set of photos from Toddlers/Twos

Connections, Sheet 3D. If possible, laminate the pictures or cover them with clear Con-Tact paper. Place the pictures inside a bag, box, or hat. Say, I like going to church! The Bible says, “Let us go to the house of [God]” (Psalm 122:1). I’m so glad your families bring you to church too! What are some things we see at church? (Allow answers.)

Then let the children take a picture out of the container and name what they see. When a child selects the picture of the Bible, say, That is the Bible! The Bible helps us learn about God. Thank You, God, for our church, where we can learn from the Bible!

Hold a baby on your lap as you look through the pictures from Toddlers/Twos Connections, Sheet 3D. Say, That is [name subject of picture]. We see this at church. Thank You, god, for our church!

NoTe: Why use Bible look-alikes instead of real Bibles in the Bible Boxes activity? To help the children develop proper respect for the Bible. It is best not to stack real Bibles on the floor, where they can fall over and be stepped on.

Bible Boxes (Toddlers and Twos)Tape several empty cereal boxes shut. Wrap the

boxes like a present with construction paper. Print, “Holy Bible” on one side. Say, We use the Bible at church. The Bible tells us about God. These boxes look like Bibles. Let’s see how high we can stack our Bible boxes. Let the children stack the boxes. Help the children count the boxes as they stack. Say, Thank You, God, for the Bible. Thank You, God, for our church, where we can learn about You.

• children’s Bibles and Bible story books

• Soft washable pillows, beanbags, or small rugs

• Toddlers/Twos Connections, Sheet 3D

• scissors for teacher use

• cereal boxes• tape• construction paper• permanent marker

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Our Daily Bread (Toddlers and Twos)Say, The Bible says, “Let us go to the house of

[God]” (Psalm 122:1). The church is a special place to learn about God. The Bible helps us learn about God. Some people call the Bible “our daily bread.” Let’s make a snack that helps us remember our daily bread, the Bible.

Help each child use a craft knife to spread jam in a cross shape on a slice of bread. As the children eat their snack, say, Thank You, God, for the Bible. Thank You, God, for our church, a special place to learn about You.

• bread• jam• craft sticks• paper plates• napkins• wet wipes

Center 4: LET’S GO TO CHURCH!Who Brings Me to Church? (Toddlers and Twos)

On preprinted thank-you cards or cards made from construction paper, print, “Thank you for bringing me to church. Love [child’s name].” Say, Mary and Joseph took Baby Jesus to church. Who brings you to church? (Allow answers.)

Let the children decorate the insides of their cards with crayons, washable markers, and stickers. Say,

Thank You, God, for our church. And thank You, God, for our families who bring us to church! Give the thank-you cards to the people who brought each child to church.

• preprinted thank-you cards or construction paper

• markers• crayons• stickers

Where Did Baby Jesus Go? (Twos)Punch apart the puzzle on Toddler/Twos

Connections, Sheet 3B. Ask, Do you know where Baby Jesus’ family took Him? (Allow answers.) Say, Let’s

put together this puzzle to find out where Baby Jesus’ parents took Him! Put together the puzzle. It’s a church! Baby Jesus’ parents took Him to the Temple, or church!

• Toddlers/Twos Connections, Sheet 3B

Driving to Church (Toddlers and Twos)Make a church (any building-like structure) from

building blocks, or use a block church from the Building God’s Church activity. If you have a rug with roads for toy cars, place the church at the end of one of the roads.

Ask, Did you come to church in a car today? (Allow answers.) The Bible says, “Let us go to the house of [God]” (Psalm 122:1). Let’s drive our cars to church! Let the children roll their cars to the block church. As each child arrives, help him or her say, Thank You, God, for our church!

• toy cars• road rug (optional)• building blocks

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Wake Up! (Twos)Have the children lie down on the floor and pretend to sleep. Lie down

on the floor with them as you begin to sing the song. Show the children how to pantomime each verse as you sing it. Sing the song and pretend to wake up several times.

Let’s Go to Church(Tune: “Where Is Thumbkin?”)

Sun is shining! It is morning!Can you see? Can you see?It’s time to get up out of bed,Brush our teeth, and comb our head.Let’s go to church! Let’s go to church!

Wash our faces. Put our clothes on.Eat some food. Eat some food.Get in the car, and take a ride.Here’s the church! Let’s go inside,To praise God! To praise God!

Place a baby on his or her back on the floor. Sing “Are You Sleeping?” to him or her. When you get to “Wake up,” hold the child’s hands and help him or her to sit or stand up. (Do this only with babies who can hold their heads up on their own!) When you sing, “Let’s praise God,” help the baby clap and cheer.

(Tune: “Where Is Thumbkin?”)

Are you sleeping, Are you sleeping,Little one? Little one?Wake up little sleepy head,Time to get up out of bed.Let’s praise God! Let’s praise God!Say, Thank You, god, for our church where we can

praise You!

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Unit Center 5: MY CHURCH FAMILY CARES FOR MEFamily Album (All)

With parent(s)’ permission, take photos of the children in your nursery. Gather photos of the pastoral staff, nursery staff, and church members. Place these photos in a photo album. (Or get a copy of your church’s picture directory.) Hold a child in your lap as you look at the pictures together. Say, These people are part of

our church family. Your church family cares for you. Thank You, God, for our church!

• photos of church family

• photo album OR• church photo directory

Caring Bears (Toddlers and Twos)Photocopy the Caring Bear pattern on page 48 for

each child. Cut out the bears and tape them onto the sides of small plastic sandwich bags. Place ingredients for the Caring Bear Mix in bowls on a low table. Help the children move along the line of bowls, scooping a

small amount of each ingredient into their bags with a small cup. Say, The Bible says, “Let us go to the house of [God]” (Psalm 122:1). Church is a special place to learn about God. It is also a place where people care for us. Our Caring Bear snacks will help us remember we are loved at church. If the children have had another snack, then send the bags of Church Bear Care Mix home with them.

• Teddy Grahams• Goldfish crackers• Cheerios• Ziploc bags

NoTe: Anytime you serve food, watch out for food allergies. Keep the containers from packaged food. Check the list of ingredients for food allergens. Some common allergens are soy, wheat, milk products, peanuts, red dye, and eggs.

Play peekaboo with a baby. Hold up a blanket between you and the baby. Ask, Where is [child’s name]? Pull the blanket down so the child sees you. Then say, There’s [child’s name]! Watch for the baby’s response. Say, [child’s name] is at church. I love [child’s name]. Thank You, god, for [child’s name]. Thank You, god, for our church!

Who Is Welcome? (Toddlers and Twos)With parents’ permission, take a digital photo

of each child and print it. Cut out the pictures. Fold Toddlers/Twos Connections, Sheet 3C according to the instructions. Have the children help you glue their photos onto their folded churches. Then close the doors of the church. Say, The Bible says, “Let us go to the

house of [God]” (Psalm 122:1). Everyone is welcome at church. Who can I see at church? Help the child open the church doors to reveal his or her picture. I see you! I’m so glad you are at church! Help the children say, “Thank You, God, for my church!”

• Toddlers/Twos Connections, Sheet 3C

• digital photos of each child

• glue sticks

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Pastors Care (All)Have a member of your church’s pastoral staff come

to class and participate with the children. Introduce the pastor to your children. Have the pastor say how happy he or she is to be with the children today. Let the pastor play with the children and read a story to them. Have the pastor say, I am glad you came to church today! I love you! Your church family loves you too!

BIBLE TIME!Use the following activities to help children experience the Bible story individ-ually. This center should be available to children during both first and second hour sessions.

“Baby Jesus Goes to Church” (Luke 2:21-38)

It was a special day. Mary and Joseph were happy. They were bringing Baby Jesus to the Temple.

When Mary and Joseph came to the church they saw Simeon. He came to see Baby Jesus. Simeon was smiling. He held Baby Jesus in his arms. He was glad that Baby Jesus had come to church.

Anna heard the noise. She came to meet Mary and Joseph. She was smiling. She thanked God for Baby Jesus. She was glad that Baby Jesus had come to church.

Jesus would grow big and strong. He loved to go to church. He went to church with His family.

UNIT BIBLE STORY

Bible Story

Baby Jesus’ mommy and daddy took Him to the Temple, or church. People at church were very happy to see Baby Jesus there. One man held Baby Jesus and thanked God for Him. God had told Simeon that he would get to meet Baby Jesus. One woman, Anna, said good things about this special Baby. Jesus’ mommy and daddy were happy. Simeon was happy. Anna was happy.

Spending Time in God’s WordMake an age-appropriate Bible available for the child to hold. If you have

Bible figures or cutouts to display, laminate them and place them at the child’s level. Tell the unit Bible story one-on-one. Place the Bible near a rocking chair. When the child shows interest in the Bible or the story figures, hold the child on your lap. Tell the story while looking through the Bible with the child.

• a pastor

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Let a baby hold a baby doll. Ask, Is that a baby you’re holding? Can you hug the baby? Help the baby hug the doll. As the baby continues to explore the doll, say, The Bible says, “Let us go to the house of [god]” (Psalm 122:1). Baby Jesus’ mommy and daddy took Him to church! Thank You, god, for our church!

SHARE A POEM

Praise GodMommy Mary carried the baby, (Rock baby.)

And she praised god. (Point to sky.)

Daddy Joseph watched Him closely, (Point to eyes.)

And he praised god. (Point to sky.)

Simeon smiled at Baby Jesus, (Point to mouth.)

And he praised god! (Point to sky.)

Anna heard about Baby Jesus, (Point to ears.)

And she praised god. (Point to sky.)

Baby Jesus came to church, (Make a “roof ” with hands over head.)

And we praise god! (Point to sky.)

Mommy Mary and Daddy Joseph Go to Church (Toddlers and Twos)

Provide baby dolls, strollers, and adult dress-up clothes. Say, Jesus’ mommy and daddy took Him to church. Let’s take our babies to church.

Let the children dress up as mommies and daddies. Then lead a little procession as the children take their

babies to church. Designate a specific area in the classroom as the “church.”When you reach the church, say, Thank You, God, for our church! Then

let interested children have a pretend church service.

• mommy and daddy dress-up clothes

• baby dolls• doll strollers

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Walking Fingers (Toddlers and Twos)Place a protective covering on the floor. Fill a

square tub halfway with cornmeal or sand. Ask, How did you come to church today? Did you come in a car? (Allow answers.) Baby Jesus’ mommy and daddy did not have a car. When they went to the Temple, or church, they either walked or rode a donkey on a dirt road. Let’s make our fingers walk in this sand, and pretend our fingers are Baby Jesus’ mommy and daddy. Let the children make their fingers “walk” in the sand. Allow the children to play with the sand, but watch closely to keep the children from throwing sand into each other’s faces.

Who’s Here Today? (Toddlers and Twos)Sit in a circle with the children. Sing this song,

using each child’s name in a verse. After you’ve sung each child’s name, sing the last verse and give each child a happy face sticker.

Who’s Here Today?(Tune: “The Farmer in the Dell”)

[Child’s name] is here today.

[Child’s name] is here today.

You put a smile upon my face!

I’m glad you’re here today!

You came to church today.

You came to church today.

god loves you, and so do I!

I smile for you today.

CLOSING TIMEEstablish a specific routine for transition times and the time when children are picked up by parents. Very young children like consistency. Specific routines provide smoother transitions. Choose from these activities to bring a session to a close.

Sing “Who’s Here Today?” to a baby using his or her name. Watch the baby’s face as you sing. Clap along with the song. Help the baby clap along. After the song, say, Church is a special place to learn about god. Church is also a place where I take care of you. Thank You, god, for our church. Thank You, god, for [child’s name]!

• happy face stickers

• sand• square tub• protective floor

covering

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Follow Me to Church! (Toddlers and Twos)Designate one area of the classroom as “church.” Say, The Bible says, “Let

us go to the house of [God]” (Psalm 122:1). Follow me to church! Don’t forget to do what I do!

Play a game of Follow the Leader with the children, leading them around the classroom, ending at the church area. Run, skip, crawl, jump, and wiggle as you lead the class. When everyone arrives at the church area, say, Hooray! We made it to church! Thank You, God, for our church! Let the older twos have a turn leading the group to church.

Cleaning God’s House (Toddlers and Twos)Say, Church is a special place to learn about God. It is God’s house. Let’s

take good care of God’s house, by cleaning when we finish playing! Help the children put away toys and wipe off tables and chairs. As you work, sing this song to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

Our Church Is a Special PlaceOur church is a special place,Special place, special place!Our church is a special place.Thank You, God, for church!

Hugging Time (Toddlers and Twos)Say, I’m so glad you came to church today! Our church is a special place

to learn about God. We are loved at church. I love you. We love each other. Let’s give each other hugs and high fives. Let’s say, “I’m glad you’re here!” Allow the children to give the nursery staff and each other hugs and high fives. Guide those children who are able to say “I’m glad you’re here!” Do not force children to hug, but do encourage them to at least approach each other.

SAY A LITTLE PRAYER“Thank You, god, for Your special house, the church. Thank You for my family who brings me to church. Thank You for my church family, who loves me. Amen.