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March 3, 2019

Jesus Invites Us to Follow

Him

May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your

promise to your servant.

Psalm 119:76

DATE PONDER POINT

THE BIG GOD STORY REMEMBER VERSE

Welcome & Rules (4 minutes): Begins class creating an inviting atmosphere for kids to feel wel-come and to worship in song.

Worship & Connect (12 minutes): Establishes community and engages kids, drawing them in and preparing them to hear God’s word.

The Big God Story Pt 1 (6 minutes): Creates space for children to hear God’s word.

Mail Time & Worship (7 minutes): Breaks up the Big God Story to keep kids engaged and teaches the importance of memorizing scripture.

The Big God Story Pt 2 (6 minutes): Children continue to hear God’s word.

Small Groups (20 minutes): Kids respond in small groups to what they heard in the Big God Story.

Remember Verse & Bless (3 minutes): Allows children to practice their memory verse and be sent out with a sense of peace so they can be a blessing to others.

(See page 8 for 10:15 schedule and rotations.)

John 1:35–51 Call of the Twelve

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GOAL: Worship & welcome is all about engaging kids and helping them enter into worship, letting

them know that class has begun preparing their minds for what they are going to hear. Establishes

community and engages kids, drawing them in and preparing them to hear God’s word.

WELCOME & RULES - 4 minutes (Host) IMAGE: Welcome

We are so glad you are here at Critter Land today. Personalize your welcome. Relate to what’s happening such as holidays, school year, church camp, etc. Pique the curiosity about today’s Ponder Point/Story, tell a joke, do something to draw in the attending of the kids and mention any announcements!

RULES VIDEO: Sheriff Hawk

WORSHIP - 3 minutes (Worship Leader/Host) If you brought offering, go put it in the squirrel feeder while we worship!

WORSHIP VIDEO: Super Wonderful

(Direct kids to get with their groups and circle up with their small group leader before sitting down)

SMALL GROUP CONNECT QUESTIONS - 4 minutes (Host) VIDEO: 4 minute countdown

• Have you ever been invited to a special event or party? If yes what was it?

• What is your favorite thing to eat?

• What is your favorite game to play?

WARDROBE OF WONDER - 5 minutes (Host) What’sIt: 9:00 - an Invitation

VIDEO: Wardrobe of Wonder Intro

Choose 1 volunteer. Volunteer picks two hats from wardrobe one for himself, one for host. Tell other kids to put on their “imaginary thinking caps”. Volunteer peeks in the What’s It box. Host gives 3 clues, kids get to vote on what they think it is.

Then as host you say….

If you think our clue is a , raise your hand.

If you think our clue is a , raise your hand.

If you think our clue is a , raise your hand.

Let the child volunteer tell which answer is correct!

ASK

What did we find in the wardrobe? Children will answer. An envelope, that’s right. Let’s take a look at what’s inside. Take out invitation. It’s an invitation. Read the cover of the invitation. Who can tell us what an invitation is? When do you usually get an invitation? Interact with responses. How does it feel to get an invitation to a party or somewhere special? Children will answer. How do you think an invitation fits into this part of The Big God Story? Children will answer. Well, let’s find out because … do you know what time it is?

The Big Story Intro

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Point out that what kids are about to hear is true and is recorded in the Bible. Open your Bible to

the passage and leave it open and visible throughout The Big God Story. Invite kids to open their

Bibles and follow along as you storytell. Children respond to what the Holy Spirit is teaching them

as they reflect on the day’s portion of The Big God Story.

STORYTELLING - PART 1 - 6 minutes (Storyteller)

Welcome the children and lead them in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds. In this part of The Big God Story, Jesus was getting ready to show the world how they could know God by knowing Him. He was going to invite the people of the world to follow Him. Hold up What’sIt from the Wardrobe of Wonder. What did we find in the wardrobe today? Children answer. That’s right, there was an invitation in the wardrobe. Sometimes we get invitations to birthday parties and other special celebrations. Well, the invitation that Jesus was giving the world wasn’t for a party or something that would happen one time and then be over. Jesus was inviting the world to know Him forever and ever!

Soon after Jesus finished His time in the desert, He walked into town. Tech: Cue image 1. John with Two Friends. John the Baptist was with two of his friends when he saw Jesus. John had told his friends all about Jesus. When they saw Him, they were very excited. When the men heard John’s words, they began to follow Jesus. Those are good thoughts. The men had heard all about the promised Savior in God’s Word and from their teachers. When they realized Jesus was finally here, they couldn’t wait to meet Him and know Him.

Jesus turned and saw the men following. Tech: Cue image 2. Jesus with Two Men. He asked, “What do you want?” They asked, “Teacher, where are You staying?” Jesus replied, “Come and you will see.” He invited them to follow Him. But this wasn’t just any invitation. Jesus, the one true God, invited them to spend time with Him and know Him forever and ever! What do you think they did? Children answer. You’re right! The men accepted Jesus’ invitation and chose to follow Him and know Him. You see, the invitation Jesus gave the men wasn’t to a party that would end. He invited them to know Him, follow Him, and be with God forever and ever. We are going to learn

The Big God Story:

• WhatsIt Invitation from Wardrobe

The Prayer of Release allows children and

leaders to pause, be still, and ask God to

quiet their hearts and minds. Before you

pray, you might ask the kids to hold out

their hands, palms up, in a spirit of releas-

ing their worries and distractions in order

to better receive what the Holy Spirit might

have for them today. Then encourage the

kids to quiet their voices, take a seat, and

pray with you.

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more about these men in a little bit, but right now were are going to do our Mail.

MAIL TIME & WORSHIP - 7 minutes (Host/Worship Leader) VIDEO: Mail Time Intro

IMAGE: Remember Verse

May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.

Psalm 119:76

Remember Verse Definitions Unfailing: Never stops.

Remember Verse Motions May your: Point left index finger to the sky. unfailing love: Create a heart using both hands, by placing the thumbs down to-

gether and curling other fingers together for the top arch of the heart.

be my comfort: Hug self. according to your promise: Place right index finger at lips and open left palm. Move right

hand away from lips and make a fist. Place fist into middle of open left palm.

to your servant: Palms facing up, in front of body. Slide one hand forward and then slide the other hand forward.

Host: Way to say your verse! Now let’s all keep standing and sing a song!

WORSHIP VIDEO: God of Love

Host: Sit down and listen to the rest of our Big God Story

STORYTELLING - PART 2 - 6 minutes (Storyteller)

One of the men who decided to follow Jesus was named Andrew. The moment he found out where Jesus lived, he went as fast as he could to find his brother, Simon. When he found Simon, Andrew said, “We’ve found the Messiah!” He knew Simon would want to see for himself. So he took his brother to meet Jesus. Then they spent the rest of the day with Jesus.

The very next day, Jesus decided to leave for the town of Galilee. Can you say that with me? Gal-i-lee. Children repeat. When Jesus got there, He found a man named Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” What do you think Philip did? Children answer. That’s right. He chose to accept Jesus’ invitation and he followed Him. Philip was so excited that he went and found his friend Nathanael. Tech: Cue image 3. Philip Running. He told him, “We have found the One that Moses wrote about in the Law and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” So, what do you think Philip did? Children answer. That’s right. He invited Nathanael to meet Jesus for himself. He said, “Come and see.” What do you think Nathanael did? Children answer; interact with their responses. That’s right! He accepted the invitation and went with Philip to meet Jesus. Tech: Cue image 4. Nathanael and Jesus.

Jesus saw Nathanael as he was coming to meet Him and said, “Here truly is an Israelite.” “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Friends, did Nathanael know Jesus? Children

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answer. No, not yet. But Jesus is God. He knew Nathanael, even before Nathanael knew Him. Now Jesus was inviting Nathanael to know what God was like. Nathanael chose to follow Jesus. He got to learn about and know the one true God!

Friends, Jesus invited these men to come and see the things He wanted to show them about God. He invited them to know Him because He is God! Jesus chose 12 men to be His apostles—His special followers. Many of the men were fishermen. As soon as they got the invitation to follow Jesus, they left their fishing nets behind to follow the one true God. As they followed Jesus, the disciples got to see Him do so many awesome and miraculous things!

Just as He invited His disciples to follow Him, He invites you and me to follow Him and know Him too! Will Jesus send us an invitation in the mail, like the one we found in the wardrobe? Children answer. No. God has given us the invitation to know Him in His Word, the Bible. In the Bible, Jesus tells us that when we see Him and all that He has done, we’re seeing God. When we choose to follow Jesus, we get to know God! Jesus invites us to follow Him.

DISMISS TO SMALL GROUPS (Host)

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I wonder … How did they feel when they were talking to Jesus? I wonder … What did they want to know about God? I wonder … What do I want to know about God? I wonder … Is there something I want to ask Him?

GOAL: Kids respond in small groups to what they heard in the Big God Story.

THE TWELVE DISCIPLES SUPPLIES • The twelve disciples (one per child) • Stickers with the names of the disciples • Teacher’s set of the 12 disciples with the names ENGAGE Today we are going to make a picture of the 12 disciples who were chosen to learn all they could about Jesus so they could go and tell others. We are to be Jesus’ disciples today. We will make this to remind us we need to tell others about Jesus! Pass out the picture of the disciples to each child. Help them or have them put their name on the back of their picture. Choose a disciple from the teacher’s set. Show the kids one disciple, have kids find the disciple (like a matching game). Once kids can show you the matching disciple, pass out the sticker with the disciple’s name to the kids…..have the kids place the name above the head of the disciple, like the teachers. Do all twelve like that. Then show the children how they can fan fold the disciples so they will stand up next to each other. Count together the disciples. If time allows play the following game with the kids. In between different ways to lead, ask the wonder questions to the kids.

LET’S FOLLOW

Today in The Big God Story, we heard how 12 men—the apostles—decided to follow Jesus. We’re going to play a special game of Follow the Leader. As we play, you’ll watch the leader and follow what he does. I’ll start. Are you ready?

While you’re leading children, consider incorporating some actions Jesus would have done with His disciples (for example: eating, walking, sleeping, climbing, etc.). As children follow your lead, be sure to mention that Jesus would have done these same things with the men who followed Him. Try to incorporate dancing or hopping. Ask children: Do you think Jesus and His disciples ever danced? What about hopped? Repeat game as time allows. Consider allowing kids to be the leader once they understand the game.

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Review the Remember Verse:

May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Psalm 119:76

Remember Verse Definitions Unfailing: Never stops.

Remember Verse Motions May your: Point left index finger to the sky. unfailing love: Create a heart using both hands, by placing the thumbs down

together and curling other fingers together for the top arch of the heart.

be my comfort: Hug self. according to your promise: Place right index finger at lips and open left palm. Move right

hand away from lips and make a fist. Place fist into middle of open left palm.

to your servant: Palms facing up, in front of body. Slide one hand forward and then slide the other hand forward.

BLESSING

Send your little ones out with a blessing by praying Scripture over them. This is an opportunity for leaders to model and children to practice another physical posture of worship. Invite children to hold their hands open as if cupping water, in order to signify their willingness to receive the blessing you’re about to speak over them. If parents have arrived, invite them to join you in also opening their hands to receive the blessing.

Children, Jesus invites us to follow Him! He is the best leader and will always lead us into the light! Create a quick train chain with children and lead them around one time in a circle before giving the blessing. May you hear God’s voice this week and follow Him with all your heart.

Song VIDEO: In This Life

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Host will welcome kids to Critter Land. Worship Leader will lead kids in a time of worship and allow kids to give offering. Song1: 123 Song2: Good, Good Father

Play Station (Play)—Kids

will have time to play and

enjoy each others company.

Different play options will be

provided.

Big God Story (BGS)—The

storyteller will present the

Bible lesson and point to

ponder.

Memory Work (MW)—

1. Practice Memory Verse

2. Use Color Activity Sheet

( In 10:15 Bin)

3. Bathroom Break

May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.

Psalm 119:76

Remember Verse Definitions Unfailing: Never stops.

Remember Verse Motions May your: Point left index finger to the sky. unfailing love: Create a heart using both hands, by

placing the thumbs down together and curling other fingers together for the top arch of the heart.

be my comfort: Hug self. according to your promise: Place right index finger at lips

and open left palm. Move right hand away from lips and make a fist. Place fist into middle of open left palm.

to your servant: Palms facing up, in front of body. Slide one hand forward and then slide the other hand forward.

11:15 Host will pray a blessing over the kids before parents pick up. If time allows worship leader will lead the closing song. Transition DVD/Video:

10:30 - 10:43 10:45 - 10:58 11:00 - 11:15

Owls Play (113) BGS (114) MW (115)

Bunnies MW (116)

Turtles MW (115) Play (113) BGS (114)

Frogs MW (116)

Snails BGS (114) MW (115) Play (113)

Squirrels MW (117)

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During my sophomore year of college, I took a biblical studies and interpretation class from a

professor I greatly respected. She was the resident expert at the university in kids and youth

ministry. One day as class began, my professor asked me to come see her afterward. I was

completely unnerved that she wanted to talk with me. As a self-professed perfectionist, I couldn’t

understand why she was asking to speak with me.

Though I don’t remember exactly how our conversation began, I’ll always remember what followed. “Melissa, you have a heart for God, ministry, and God’s Word,” my professor said to me. “I am in need of a teacher’s assistant. Would you be willing to help me? I want to get to know you better and allow both of us to learn from each other.”

Amazed and flattered, I accepted the job. This professor shared not only her work and classes, but also her ministry and life with me. She called me into a relationship where she wanted to know me and be known by me. She understood that time is a huge factor in influence. The investment my teacher made in my life has not only shaped who I am, but how I minister to others.

My dear professor is not the only one who has called me into relationship. Jesus has invited me to follow Him. As I follow Him, I’m able to spend time with Him. I know that the more I am with Him, the more I get to know Him. I’m confident He’ll use my life to call others to do the same. We’ve been invited to follow Him.

Melissa Kirscher ROCKHARBOR Church

Jesus understood the value of time in regard to relational impact. He strategically chose 12 men—fishermen and tax collectors alike—to carry the gospel to the nations after His ascension. Through His Son, Jesus, God the Father revealed Himself to the apostles, not just for their benefit, but for the good of all mankind. For three years Jesus traveled, laughed, and lived life alongside these men. While they received the gift of His time, they were also given the gift of knowing Him personally. The investment of time, love, and truth Jesus made in the apostles had a return far greater than even the apostles themselves could imagine.

What was the result of such intimate and personal knowledge of God? Human society was turned upside down. God revealed Himself to mankind through Jesus. This had such an impact on the world that Rome, the ruling world empire and the most powerful kingdom the world has ever known, eventually had to abandon its polytheism. They were forced to recognize and even proclaim that Jesus, indeed, is God.

The good news that Jesus brought spread like wildfire throughout the known world. It confronted evil, toppled governments, and transformed people from self-centered to others-centered individuals. In fact, it affected the way mankind measured time. Calendars were recalibrated to start measuring time according to when Jesus was born. One of the most telling examples is seen in the effect the good news had on Jesus’ early followers. According to church history and tradition, only one of these men died a natural death (and this was while he was in exile for his faith). The rest of Jesus’ apostles chose martyrs’ deaths at the hands of various governments rather than renouncing the name of Christ—all to follow Him.

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Read the biblical account of Jesus calling the brothers in Matthew 4:18–22. Before you read, ask

God to show you something about Himself that you’ve never noticed before. Ask Him to reveal

Himself to you through His written Word.

Once you’ve finished reading, take a few minutes to write down your observations from Scripture. Looking at your own life, what do you think would be the hardest thing to walk away from? Why do you think Jesus asked these men to immediately follow Him rather than to follow in a few days, a week, etc.? What is God asking you to walk away from so you can fully follow Him today? How is God revealing Himself to you?