Sunday School Resource Produced by Jane Tibbs Children s Adviser 17 April 2016, the Fourth Sunday of Easter

Transcription

1 SundayMAXleaders Sunday School Resource Produced by Jane Tibbs Children s Adviser 17 April 2016, the Fourth Sunday of Easter Introduction Jesus knows and loves each one of us just like a shepherd with his sheep; he is the Good Shepherd who came to care for us and to show us the way to everlasting happiness. *The reading from Acts must be used as either the first or second reading Game Name that sheep You will need pictures and/or models of several different sheep Readings Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13 Acts 9:36 to the end* Psalm 23 Revelation 7:9 to the end John 10:22-30 Place the sheep around your space or put them all on a tray. Encourage the children to look at them all and then get them to shut their eyes. While their eyes are shut, remove one or two of the sheep. When they open their eyes, ask which sheep is missing. In today s story, Jesus makes a promise about sheep being safe. Discussion Does anyone have a pet dog or cat? What happens if you call their name? Hopefully they come when you call them! What makes them come? They recognise their name and the sound of your voice. They know that you care for them and they follow you because they trust in your love. Who are the sheep that follow Jesus? Jesus is the Good Shepherd and anyone who follows him belongs to his flock. Jesus used the idea of a shepherd and his flock to make the people understand how he would guide and look after his people. He knows each one of us by name, and called us to follow him when we were baptised into the family of God. Who can we turn to in times of trouble or when we feel afraid or alone? A good shepherd is always there when his sheep need him, just as Jesus is always there for us in times of need. He will never abandon us and is always watching over us. We can place all our trust in his love and care, knowing that he was ready to die for us.

2 Songs Every day with Jesus Kidsource 47 Father, lead me day by day Junior Praise 43 I was lost but Jesus found me Junior Praise 125 If you re black or if you re white Big Blue Planet 81 Jesus, be the centre Kidsource587 Jesus is my friend Big Blue Planet 78 Now I belong to Jesus Kidsource 262 Safe in the Father s Hands Kidsource 290 The Lord, the Lord, the Lord is my shepherd Big Blue Planet 19 The Lord is my shepherd Junior Praise 244 Craft Activity Name Spinner The Jews were taken aback when Jesus said, My Father and I are one. You will need A circle of card for each child A length of yarn or string for each child Coloured pens for writing Give each child a circle of card and write the word JESUS on one side and FATHER on the other side in large letters. Make two holes either side of the centre of the circle and thread the yarn or string through the holes. Tie the ends together to make a long loop. Holding an end of the loop in each hand, fairly taut, twirl hands in a circle until the yarn is well twisted. Then, moving both hands together and apart, the disc will start to spin. Watch the names run together as one. The Education Department, The Old Deanery, Wells BA5 2UG Tel: jane.tibbs@bathwells.anglican.org

3 Prayers Help us to hear your voice every day You will need a Bible, hymn book, candle and a globe or world map Father God, Help us to hear your voice every day. To hear your voice in the words and stories of the Bible (Child opens up a Bible. Pause) To hear your voice in the songs of worship we sing (Child opens up a hymn book. Pause) To hear your voice in silent prayer (Leader lights a candle. Pause) To hear your voice in the advice of good friends (Everyone holds hands. Pause) To hear your voice through the world around us and the things we see each day (Pass globe around. Pause) Help us to hear your voice and so be part of your special people each and every day. Amen. The Education Department, The Old Deanery, Wells BA5 2UG Tel: jane.tibbs@bathwells.anglican.org

4 SundayMAXkids A word search for you to do i r h o g w p d e e f g t p s w i o r v e j q y e p l c y d s o a f e n o c z v o q e p c l s n h e t c r o o k y t a a s a s k e r y o k l s q o e l j i m n c o a a b f w f r t l a e r b j s f c h o w d p t q b a s v b t k g t l d g s z p j s i u e l h u d i a o r f w c z e r s u l f x q l e k r a s w t m s u p k z b r v y x t d r e h p e h s f a o v x t e v x b g o g z w o o l x r v r o m f v z d w d n l i s a n r o i k v t z z r t k r c b x x all baa care for crook feed grass his Jesus lamb look after lost love protect sheep shepherd water wool Today is the Fourth Sunday of Easter My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28 (NIV) Enter the missing vowels to find the words they are all in the Bible passage above _ t _ rn _ l f _ ll _ w v c _ P _ r _ sh h _ nd sh p sn _ tch l _ f _ Write my name on the palm of your hand, Remember me all my days. Write my name in the book of heaven And keep me safe always. Amen

5 SundayMAXstory Jesus is special and Who are you then? Two short retellings of John suitable for use with children, both providing opportunity for participation with movement, sound, and voice Jesus is special For younger children tell the story by inviting them to contribute the various sound effects and actions in the brackets below. You could rehearse them first with the group or allocate them to different children depending on age The people in the great Temple of Jerusalem were excited (hubbub of talking) They had come for a special festival and there were party lights to see (gasps of wonder and amazement) They were excited too because Jesus was there (shouts of there he is ' and footsteps running) The Jewish leaders were still puzzled by Jesus. They didn't understand what was so special about him (scratching of heads and puzzled looks) Jesus said they shouldn't be puzzled. Just think about all the miracles he'd done (Ask the children if they can think of any miracles that Jesus did) Jesus said that the real problem was that they just weren't listening (hands over ears) Those who did listen were those who belonged to Jesus, like sheep to a shepherd (sounds of sheep) Jesus said he would look after his sheep forever and they would be safe in his hands (Cup hands together as if holding something precious) Jesus also said that he and God belonged together completely (Bring the flat part of both hands together as if in prayer and then separate them and then bring them together again, to show two becoming one) Who are you then? For older children tell the story with a leader acting the part of Jesus. Because Jesus was probably walking along Solomon's portico as he held this conversation, lead the children around the room as they respond in chorus to each line you say. As Jesus begins to walk slowly, the children should join one by one from where they are sitting. Each time a child joins the group, he or she should ask, Who are you then? When they are all up and walking, with the constant question hanging in the air, start the conversation Jesus: I've already told you Jesus: I have already shown you Jesus: You won't believe me Jesus: Those who listen to me know who I am Jesus: My true followers know who I am Jesus: Those who know who I am, are in safe hands Jesus: They are in God's hands and there is no one greater (The whole group stops walking now and there should be a dramatic pause before the next two lines.) Jesus: The Father and I are one. That's who I am. Children: (Some gasp, some look angry and some look frightened.) You are... who!?

6 SundayMAXcraft Sheep for game

7 SundayMAXcraft Sheep for game