of a Kind - · PDF fileof a Kind 2 I am not an accident ... about your event before making copies. ... • Wipes or access to a sink with warm water and soap What You’ll Do

of a Kindof a Kind

fearfully and wonderfully made.I praise you, for I am

Kids Event Outline

Psalm 139:14

of a Kindof a Kind

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I am not an accident. I am the unique and dearly-loved creation of the God who designed and built the universe. My abilities, my interests, my appearance, and my temperament are all gifts he has given me. He invites me to use these gifts to serve those around me, enriching their lives as I do.

You are not an accident. You are the unique and dearly-loved creation of the God who designed and built the universe. Your abilities, your interests, your appearance, and your temperament are all gifts he has given you. He invites you to use these gifts to serve those around you, enriching their lives as you do.

You and I are better together! Our Creator intends that we live, work, and play together, being his blessings in one another’s lives. Here on this earth, our lives will not mesh perfectly. Because of sin, I will sometimes say things that hurt you. You will sometimes do things that hurt me. Still, we can forgive one another, just as God—in Christ and his cross—has forgiven us.

Forgiven, we can relish one another’s differences and celebrate one another’s strengths as we honor and serve our Lord.

This event will help children’s ministers, Sunday school teachers, and other concerned Christian adults introduce and reinforce these encouraging concepts. It provides many more ideas and activities than you will be able to complete in an hour-long children’s event for kids ages 5–11. So choose carefully from among them.

Plan to use the event during Sunday school on the 5th Sunday of a month, as a special event on Saturday morning, or during your church’s Wednesday night kids ministry.

All the activities in this event are designed to help everyone involved focus on the theme One of a Kind and on the theme verse, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).

May God bless you as you share Jesus’ faithful, individual, amazing, forgiving love with many children and their families!

#OAK5DCE

© 2015 CTA, Inc. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original

purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization, but not for resale.

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of

Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

I praise you, for I amfearfully and wonderfully made.Psalm 139:14

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ORGANIZER NOTESORGANIZER NOTES

Ready . . . If your event will happen during your regular Sunday school hour or during a regularly scheduled midweek class time, your advance planning will need to be much less elaborate than if you hold the event for a special purpose (for example, childcare during a major sporting event). For a larger, more elaborate event, you will want to put together a planning team of 3–8 individuals. Work together to decide some of the basics:

• What’s your goal? Do you hope to encourage young families who regularly attend your church? Is it your purpose to invite unchurched families in the community? Knowing your audience will help you craft your invitations and promotion efforts. It will also guide you as you evaluate results and follow up on visitors after the event.

Note:Note: This event lends itself well to inviting families in your community. However, it is also designed to help member children better know and appreciate one another.

• What is the best day and time for the event? Check with your organization’s facilities coordinator and your pastor to set a date.

• Will we host our event inside or outside? Consider space constraints, possible weather conditions, parking possibilities, and so on.

• How many learning activities will we offer? This guide provides directions for 6–8 activity stations. If you expect a big turnout, consider providing duplicate stations for one or more of the activities suggested below. Or add your own ideas, based on your organization’s strengths.

• Who will lead each team? You will probably need one or more volunteers to handle each of these responsibilities: publicity, set-up/take-down, decorations, leading camp activities, ticket and prize coordinators, and extra volunteers. It never hurts to have a few additional volunteers who can fill in as needed.

Shortly after your initial planning meeting, encourage each team leader to begin recruiting and meeting with team members as soon as possible. Suggest that they focus first on matching potential team members with positions, looking for a good fit between what’s needed and each volunteer’s God-given talents and abilities. For instance, invite more active volunteers to lead more energetic activities.

Prior planning and preparation is key! The larger and more elaborate your event, the earlier you will need to start organizing teams and inviting volunteers to join you. Set up the teams suggested below. If your event is small, your volunteers may be able to serve on more than one team. On the other hand, many hands make light work: the more people you involve, the more hearts your event can potentially touch.

Here are the teams you will want to assemble:

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Promotions TeamThe Promotions Team is responsible for getting the word out about your event. How can you effectively let your church, community, and school know what you are planning? Put flyers around your church or school. Send home reminders with the children. Announce your event in the weekly bulletin and/or newsletter. Consider adding details to your church website. Don’t forget to tweet about your event and announce it on Facebook!

Start your promotion blitz two to four weeks ahead of time.

CTA provides free, downloadable invitations and flyers—all with themed art. You can add information about your event before making copies. Check out these resources at www.CTAinc.com. Click on the “Resource & Idea Center” tab near the top of the page.

Set-Up/Clean-Up CrewThis team is responsible for the overall event design and large-scale building and teardown. You’ll want to decide how to set up each station. You may choose to retrofit existing materials left over from previous events. Or create new backdrops that can be stored and used again next time. Here are some ideas, but be sure to add your own!

• Arrange chairs to form rough circles for each learning station; note that several learning activities call for tables.

• Use painters tape to mark off the boundaries of each station• String yellow caution barricade tape around the perimeter of each station

Let everyone on all the teams know that you and your crew will be there to help them set up and take down their activity stations on the day of the event.

Decorations TeamThe Decorations Team is responsible for small-scale decorating and final touches that will complete the thematic look of the event. This team needs to coordinate with the Set-up/Clean-up Crew, considering the size and scope of the sets that team is developing. The Decorations Team will work to augment the basic setup. For instance:

• Balloons are a fun and festive addition to any event.• Use colorful, plastic table coverings from the dollar store on tables at each of the stations with

tables.• Decorate with snowflakes and other winter decorations that you can hang from the ceiling or along

the walls.• Two or three weeks prior to your event, check out the various “winter and snowflake crafts for

kids” displayed on Pinterest. Invite individual children or groups of children to use simple ideas from that source to make snowflakes and snowmen you can use to decorate your space.

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Activity LeadersActivity leaders are responsible for preparing and presenting their respective activity or game. All adults in each activity station should understand the game or activity happening there and the main teaching point to be shared with the children. Stress the importance of having at least two people in each activity station at all times to ensure order and maintain safety.

Several of the stations have items that children will take home with them. Think about how best to help children carry them or store them so that they won’t get lost or forgotten. Consider giving every child a large paper sack or ziplock bag, labeled with that child’s name. The children can use these to carry their take-homes.

Each bag could also include an invitation to visit your church again. Don’t forget a service schedule and, perhaps, a description of your various ministries. You might place these in a smaller ziplock bag to ensure they will be readable at home after the event.

RunnersConsider asking teens from your high school youth group to serve during the event. They will serve as messengers and run errands as issues arise. They could also entertain smaller children at each activity station, deliver additional supplies as needed, hand out snacks or other treats, or help direct visitors.

Set . . .A few weeks before your event, gather your entire team. Coordinate the ideas generated from the individual team meetings. Spend some time in prayer—for yourselves, for the children and family members who might attend, and for all the volunteers who will make the event possible.

Then make any additional, specific assignments, commit to checkpoints and deadlines, and set your plans into motion.

Go!As families arrive, begin with a brief group time. Welcome everyone and thank them for coming. Share any housekeeping details—directions for moving from one learning activity/learning station to the next, the location of restrooms, information about refreshments, and where to gather when the event concludes. Keep this opening session brief and focused on only the essentials. Then encourage everyone to enjoy the event and send them off.

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ACTIVITY STATIONACTIVITY STATION

Fingerprint StationWhat You’ll Need

• Ink pads in various colors (washable ink is available online and at teacher supply stores)• Paper of various sizes• Magnifying glasses• Markers• Crayons• A large Fingerprint Facts display or several pieces of paper with one or two fingerprint facts on

each, taped to the tables; see p. 23 in this guide• A clean work surface (for example, desks, a table)• Wipes or access to a sink with warm water and soap

What You’ll Do

As participants arrive, have them use the ink pads and paper to make several fingerprint samples. Encourage older children to use the magnifying glasses to examine their own fingerprints and compare their own fingerprints with the fingerprints of their friends.

Encourage them to find someone who has fingerprints similar to their own. Can they find anyone whose fingerprints are exactly like theirs?

When they are finished looking at the prints, encourage them to use a clean piece of paper and apply a thumbprint somewhere on the page. Then they should gather several thumbprints of several friends. Using markers and crayons, they are to turn each print into a “person,” by adding eyes, legs, arms, hair, and other features. Add other details to the page to show all the “thumbbuddies” having fun together, joining in to help with a task (for example, cleaning up the city park).

© 2015 CTA, Inc. Scripture: ESV7

What You’ll Say

Did you find someone whose fingerprints look just like yours? I don’t think you did! Of all the seven Did you find someone whose fingerprints look just like yours? I don’t think you did! Of all the seven billion people in the world right now, no two of them have the same fingerprints! Every person God billion people in the world right now, no two of them have the same fingerprints! Every person God makes is unique. None of us are just alike.makes is unique. None of us are just alike.

Fingerprints are one example. What are some other differences you can name?Fingerprints are one example. What are some other differences you can name? (Let volunteers share examples.)

Those are great examples! Sometimes, differences can lead to anger, fights, and quarreling. Has that Those are great examples! Sometimes, differences can lead to anger, fights, and quarreling. Has that ever happened to you?ever happened to you? (Again, let volunteers share. Have an example of your own ready and use it, if necessary, to start the conversation.)

We might be jealous of someone who is a better artist or a more skilled athlete than we are. We We might be jealous of someone who is a better artist or a more skilled athlete than we are. We might make fun of them or say something mean when they make a mistake. Or we might think we might make fun of them or say something mean when they make a mistake. Or we might think we are better than people who aren’t as smart in school. Maybe we ignore them or refuse to help them. are better than people who aren’t as smart in school. Maybe we ignore them or refuse to help them. Differences can lead to sins like these. That makes God, our Creator, sad. He has made each of us Differences can lead to sins like these. That makes God, our Creator, sad. He has made each of us good at many things. But no one is good at everything. good at many things. But no one is good at everything.

When we sin in these ways, we can say, “Dear God, please forgive me.” And he always will! God When we sin in these ways, we can say, “Dear God, please forgive me.” And he always will! God forgives because his own Son, Jesus, died on the cross to make forgiveness possible.forgives because his own Son, Jesus, died on the cross to make forgiveness possible.

Differences can lead to fun times and great experiences, too. Has that ever happened to you?Differences can lead to fun times and great experiences, too. Has that ever happened to you? (Once more, let volunteers share. Have an example of your own ready and use it, if necessary, to start the conversation.)

Differences make a team stronger. Differences make a family stronger. Differences make playing Differences make a team stronger. Differences make a family stronger. Differences make playing together more fun and learning together easier! God made your fingerprints especially for you and together more fun and learning together easier! God made your fingerprints especially for you and for no one else. You are one of a kind. Each of your friends is specially made by God, too. Each is one for no one else. You are one of a kind. Each of your friends is specially made by God, too. Each is one of a kind. of a kind.

I hope you’re glad about that! I know I am!I hope you’re glad about that! I know I am!

Before the children leave this activity area, help them wash the ink off their fingers.

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Fingerprint MatchWhat You’ll Need

• 3 X 3 slips of paper, two for each participant; half of the slips will be blank and half will have a number (a different number for each person)

• A helper to record participants’ names and numbers• Ink pads• Magnifying glasses• Pens/pencils• A table and chairs, one chair for each participant • Wipes or access to a sink with warm water and soap

What You’ll Do

Have each participant make two separate fingerprints, both from the same finger. They are to place one fingerprint on a plain slip of paper and write their name next to it. They are to place the second fingerprint on a slip with a number, keeping their number secret. (Note: You will want to record the number/name combinations; not all children will remember them.)

Collect the numbered fingerprints, one from each participant, and mix them up.

Then, ask participants to leave their unnumbered fingerprint slips on the table at their chairs, as they come to get one of the numbered fingerprints (not their own) from you. At this point, they will also need a magnifying glass.


They are to match the numbered fingerprint you have given them with its twin at the table. When they think they have a match, they are to sit down in the chair next to that match print.

When everyone is seated, check answers. For instance, someone might say, “I have #5 and I think it belongs to Michael.” Michael can then verify that his fingerprint was #5. If several people are wrong, give them a chance to get up and try again. Encourage everyone to use their different talents to find the answers, working together as friends.

What You’ll Say

You are each one of a kind! Even your fingerprints are different from everyone else’s! When God You are each one of a kind! Even your fingerprints are different from everyone else’s! When God made you, he gave you just the talents and personality he wanted you to have. He made some of made you, he gave you just the talents and personality he wanted you to have. He made some of you quieter and some of you bolder. He made some of you good at sports and some of you good at you quieter and some of you bolder. He made some of you good at sports and some of you good at spelling. Some of you like to do art and some of you like to write.spelling. Some of you like to do art and some of you like to write.

What “one-of-a-kind” blessings from God are in this group?What “one-of-a-kind” blessings from God are in this group? (If the children do not know one another, let each person mention something he or she is good at or likes to do. If they do know each other, let each participant “brag” about someone else’s talents (for example, “Alicia is great at math” or “Don is a great shortstop”). Be ready to add comments yourself in case any participant is left out. Be sure to include comments like this: “Ralph is a blessing because he lets others go first—how kind!” and “Renee is a blessing because she prays so beautifully from her heart!”)

The Bible says, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). Let’s do that The Bible says, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). Let’s do that right now. Let’s praise God for these one-of-a-kind blessings!right now. Let’s praise God for these one-of-a-kind blessings! (Pray a prayer of praise and thanks, mentioning each of the gifts, talents, or qualities the Lord has given the participants.)

Before the children leave this activity area, help them wash the ink off their fingers.

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A Blizzard of SnowflakesWhat You’ll Need

Begin bulleted list.

• One snowflake craft kit (Item # OAK5KON) for each participant• Paper of various sizes and, perhaps, colors• Circular templates of various sizes (for example, cups, bowls, cardboard patterns, rolls of tape) • Several pairs of scissors• String • Tape• Enough helpers to work one on one with younger children as needed• A clean work surface (for example, desks, a table)• A large Snowflake Facts display or several pieces of paper with one or two snowflake facts on

each, taped to the tables; see p. 24 in this guide

What You’ll Do

As participants arrive, show them how to make the snowflake craft. As they finish the craft, encourage them to cut additional snowflakes to hang around your activity area—from the ceiling if possible, from the walls if necessary. Have helpers show individuals how to do this, using the circular templates, folding the paper, and cutting out patterns.


What You’ll Say

Who knows what a blizzard is? Yes, a blizzard is a storm with fierce winds, freezing temperatures, and Who knows what a blizzard is? Yes, a blizzard is a storm with fierce winds, freezing temperatures, and lots and lots of snow! lots and lots of snow!

We have made lots and lots of snowflakes. When we put all of our snowflakes together, we do not We have made lots and lots of snowflakes. When we put all of our snowflakes together, we do not have a blizzard. We have a beautiful display! have a blizzard. We have a beautiful display!

Look around. Do you see any snowflakes just like yours? We might sometimes make two snowflakes Look around. Do you see any snowflakes just like yours? We might sometimes make two snowflakes that are exactly alike, but God never does. Think about all the snowflakes in just one blizzard. That is that are exactly alike, but God never does. Think about all the snowflakes in just one blizzard. That is A LOT of different snowflakes! But our God makes every snowflake different. Isn’t that amazing?! A LOT of different snowflakes! But our God makes every snowflake different. Isn’t that amazing?!

With snowflakes, “different” isn’t better or worse, it’s just “different.” God made each one of us With snowflakes, “different” isn’t better or worse, it’s just “different.” God made each one of us different from other people. If we say to someone, “I’m better than you, because . . .” or if we think, different from other people. If we say to someone, “I’m better than you, because . . .” or if we think, “I’m not as good as other kids, because I can’t . . .,” it makes God sad. He is our Creator. He made “I’m not as good as other kids, because I can’t . . .,” it makes God sad. He is our Creator. He made us, and he loves how his creations turned out!us, and he loves how his creations turned out!

Because Jesus died on the cross for us, God forgives these sins of unkindness and not being Because Jesus died on the cross for us, God forgives these sins of unkindness and not being thankful. Instead of thinking or saying unkind things about ourselves or others, we can praise God for thankful. Instead of thinking or saying unkind things about ourselves or others, we can praise God for making us and our friends and neighbors each one of a kind. The Bible says, “I praise you, for I am making us and our friends and neighbors each one of a kind. The Bible says, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). Can you say those words with me?fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). Can you say those words with me? (Repeat the Bible verse several times. Then pray together.)

Pray: Dear Jesus, forgive us when we are unkind to others who are different from us. Forgive us when Dear Jesus, forgive us when we are unkind to others who are different from us. Forgive us when we forget to praise you for making us so wonderfully. Forgive us when we think you should have done we forget to praise you for making us so wonderfully. Forgive us when we think you should have done a better job. Give us thankful hearts and help each of us to serve each other with the talents you a better job. Give us thankful hearts and help each of us to serve each other with the talents you have given us. Amen.have given us. Amen.

As the children leave, make sure each takes along the snowflake he or she made from the kit.

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All about MeWhat You’ll Need

• Pencils• Copies of the questionnaire on page 25, several for each participant• Lists of activities and interests; see below• A clean work surface (for example, desks, a table)• Helpers to work one-on-one with younger children

What You’ll Do

Give each participant a questionnaire. (Have helpers read these to younger children and write down answers for them as necessary.) If some participants would like to think more before answering, give them time to do so. Also, give each participant a few extra copies to take home. Encourage them to ask other people (parents, older siblings, teachers, coaches) to answer the questions, based on what they know about the child.

What You’ll Say

God has given each of you many talents and abilities. You may not even know all of your talents God has given each of you many talents and abilities. You may not even know all of your talents and abilities yet! You can figure some of them out by thinking about what you like to do, what you and abilities yet! You can figure some of them out by thinking about what you like to do, what you are good at doing, and what seems interesting and exciting to you. You can also ask your parents, are good at doing, and what seems interesting and exciting to you. You can also ask your parents, teachers, or coaches what talents and abilities they see in you. teachers, or coaches what talents and abilities they see in you.

Look at these lists.Look at these lists. (Distribute them.) These can help you think of things you are good at or things These can help you think of things you are good at or things you would like to try. They can also help you find friends who are interested in the same things or you would like to try. They can also help you find friends who are interested in the same things or who might be able to help you learn something new.who might be able to help you learn something new.

Our many differences are gifts from God. The Bible says, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully Our many differences are gifts from God. The Bible says, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). Can you say those words with me?made” (Psalm 139:14). Can you say those words with me? (Repeat the Bible verse several times.)


Here’s something that might surprise you. Your gifts and talents are NOT for you! You get to enjoy Here’s something that might surprise you. Your gifts and talents are NOT for you! You get to enjoy them, of course, but Jesus wants to use them also to help other people. How could each of the gifts them, of course, but Jesus wants to use them also to help other people. How could each of the gifts and talents on our list be used to bless others?and talents on our list be used to bless others? (Let volunteers give examples.)

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thanks for all the gifts and talents you have given us! Help us learn more about Dear Jesus, thanks for all the gifts and talents you have given us! Help us learn more about these and then use them for the good of others. Amen.these and then use them for the good of others. Amen.

Optional AdditionAlso at this activity station you might consider having several lists of activities and interests. These will help kids find others who are interested in the same things. (You may also want to encourage adults interested in mentoring groups of children fill out the forms. Before making mentoring Before making mentoring assignments, though, be sure adults who intend to volunteer have successfully completed your assignments, though, be sure adults who intend to volunteer have successfully completed your church’s background check process.church’s background check process.)

Under each activity, add these subtitles:

� I know something about this activity. � I like doing this activity.� I would like to try this activity. � I would be willing to help someone else learn this activity.

Include some or all of these activities on your list; add others that might be available in your community:

Football Piano Weaving Horseback RidingBaseball Singing Painting ArcheryBasketball Violin Pottery CampingSwimming Guitar Drawing PhotographyTrack Drums Sewing Boating Skiing Skating Baking/Cake DecoratingSpanish American Sign Language Gymnastics

Collect the questionnaires as each group leaves your activity area. After the event ends, turn the questionnaires over to an individual or team willing to follow up, matching the various interest groups and contacting them to arrange future contacts.

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Puzzle RelayWhat You’ll Need

• Several puzzles, each with about 25–30 pieces; note that large floor puzzles with fewer pieces will work, too

What You’ll Do

Plan ahead of time to prepare the puzzles. You may choose to use them just as they are. Or you may want to paint over the picture on each, using one solid color. When the paint dries, use markers to write your own message on each puzzle. For example:

• We are fearfully and wonderfully made We are fearfully and wonderfully made • Each One MattersEach One Matters• We All Fit TogetherWe All Fit Together• Everyone Belongs HereEveryone Belongs Here

When the participants arrive, form two or more teams—one puzzle per team. The teams should be small enough so that each person will have a chance to participate fully. Place each unassembled puzzle in its own spot at one end of your activity space. Have team members stand in the middle of the space. Tell them they will assemble their puzzle on the end of the space opposite the puzzles. Your area will be arranged like this:

Puzzle #1 Team #1 Assembly Area #1



When the signal is given, one person from each team will run to his/her team’s puzzle box and grab a designated number of pieces (for example, 3 pieces per team member). When the player has selected the right number of pieces, he/she is to run back to rejoin teammates in the middle.


Relay-like, the next person will then run to get his/her pieces. When all the members of the team have their pieces, the team will run together to the designated assembly area. There, they will work together to assemble the puzzle. Teammates may talk to each other and give each other hints, but each team member must place his/her own pieces in the puzzle. The team that finishes assembling their puzzle first, wins.

What You’ll Say

After all the puzzles are assembled, gather everyone back in the center of the area. Ask, Are there Are there any two pieces in a puzzle that are the same? any two pieces in a puzzle that are the same? (Accept responses)(Accept responses) Usually the pieces are all different, Usually the pieces are all different, but they are all necessary. The puzzle is not complete unless we have all the pieces. God made us but they are all necessary. The puzzle is not complete unless we have all the pieces. God made us like that. We are all different, but we are all necessary and important in the family of God—and in our like that. We are all different, but we are all necessary and important in the family of God—and in our earthly families, too. God made us so that we fit together, we can work together, and we get to help earthly families, too. God made us so that we fit together, we can work together, and we get to help one another with our gifts, talents, and personalities.one another with our gifts, talents, and personalities.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made!We are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Prayer: Dear Jesus, forgive us when we think only about ourselves instead of looking for ways to fit Dear Jesus, forgive us when we think only about ourselves instead of looking for ways to fit in to help one another. Since you died for us, help us trust you, love you, and live for you. Amen.in to help one another. Since you died for us, help us trust you, love you, and live for you. Amen.

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One of a Kind CardsWhat You’ll Need

• Cardstock, one piece per participant, about 4 X 6 inches each• Markers• Crayons• Stickers• A clean work surface (for example, desks, a table)• Helpers to work with younger children, one-on-one

What You’ll Do

As participants arrive, give each person one piece of cardstock. Each person will write his or her name in the middle of his or her own card. Then give everyone time to decorate that side.

Then have participants each give their card to the person on their left. That person is to write something kind and encouraging on the back of their friend’s card. For example:

• You are good at . . .• I like it when you . . . • You are fun to be with because . . .• God gave you many gifts. One of them is . . .

After a few moments for writing, have the children pass their cards to the left another time. Now participants can write something encouraging and kind to another person. Keep passing and writing until the cards have come full circle and are back with their owners. Circulate as children write to make sure all comments are positive.

Note: Have younger children dictate their sentences to an older helper.


What You’ll Say

Everyone here has special gifts, talents, and abilities especially from God. All these gifts and talents Everyone here has special gifts, talents, and abilities especially from God. All these gifts and talents are different. No one of us is just like any other one of us. We are each one of a kind! We are are different. No one of us is just like any other one of us. We are each one of a kind! We are fearfully and wonderfully made!fearfully and wonderfully made!

We can use our differences, our one-of-a-kind abilities, to help one another. As each person’s card We can use our differences, our one-of-a-kind abilities, to help one another. As each person’s card comes to you, think of something you like or something wonderful you have noticed about each comes to you, think of something you like or something wonderful you have noticed about each person. Write something kind and encouraging about that on his or her card. person. Write something kind and encouraging about that on his or her card.

If children are having trouble thinking of something to write, give examples from the list above. Also encourage them to write things like:

• Jesus loves you. • You belong to Jesus. • You are God’s special child. • You are wonderfully made by God.

As the children leave, make sure each has the card he or she made.



Did you Know? QuizWhat You’ll Need

• Before your event begins, post signs or posters in random spots around your building. These should list facts about snowflakes and fingerprints. (See p. 23 and p. 24 in this guide.) Post these in different learning activity areas, in the hallways, on the walls—wherever they fit. Be sure they are all at the children’s eye level. If possible, make them part of your decorations.

• Snowflake/Fingerprint Quiz—one for each participant; see p. 26• Prizes for those who take the quiz

What You’ll Do

Hand out the quizzes.

Give participants time to answer, and perhaps to search for the answers on the posters you have displayed. Grade each quiz and give a prize to everyone who has correctly answered three or more questions.


SNACK TIMESNACK TIME

Snowflake CookiesWhat You’ll Need

• Sugar cookies made in the shape of snowflakes • Plastic knives• Napkins• Frosting, various colors• Sprinkles• Chocolate chips• Red Hots cinnamon candies• M&M’s candies• Juice or milk• One of a Kind plastic tumblers (Item #OAK5PT), one per child• Wipes or a sink with warm water, soap, and paper towels

What You’ll Do

Have participants wash their hands. Each participant will decorate a cookie. Encourage colorful and unique creations. Have adult helpers work with younger children.

What You’ll Say

When everyone is finished decorating and before they eat, encourage participants to look around at all the cookies. Say:

Do you see any cookies that are exactly alike?Do you see any cookies that are exactly alike? (Accept responses) Each one of us is different, too. Each one of us is different, too. God worked and worked to make you just the way he wanted you to be. God has made lots and lots God worked and worked to make you just the way he wanted you to be. God has made lots and lots of people, but there is no one just like you. You are one of a kind! of people, but there is no one just like you. You are one of a kind!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for making each of us in just the right way. Give us thankful hearts, Dear Lord, thank you for making each of us in just the right way. Give us thankful hearts, and remind us to look for ways we can use our mind, our muscles, our bodies, our eyes, our ears, and and remind us to look for ways we can use our mind, our muscles, our bodies, our eyes, our ears, and every part of us to be kind to those around us. Amen.every part of us to be kind to those around us. Amen.


SNACK TIMESNACK TIME

Personal TostadasWhat You’ll Need

• Small flour tortillas or tostada shells• Shredded cheese• Shredded lettuce• Hamburger or taco meat• Refried beans• Diced tomatoes• Green peppers• Juice or milk• One of a Kind plastic tumblers (Item #OAK5PT), one per child• Adult helpers to work with younger children• Wipes or a sink with warm water, soap, and paper towels

What You’ll Do

Have participants wash their hands. Then have each participant use any or all of the ingredients you have supplied to decorate a tostada for themselves. Challenge each child to make a face—a face just like their own, if they can.

What You’ll Say

Do you see any tostadas that look the same? Look around at all the people in this room. Each face Do you see any tostadas that look the same? Look around at all the people in this room. Each face has two eyes, a nose, a mouth, two ears, two cheeks, a chin, hair, and a forehead. Every face has the has two eyes, a nose, a mouth, two ears, two cheeks, a chin, hair, and a forehead. Every face has the same things, but each face is completely different. You are one of a kind! God did a great job when same things, but each face is completely different. You are one of a kind! God did a great job when he made you!he made you!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for making each of us in just the right way. Give us thankful hearts and Dear Lord, thank you for making each of us in just the right way. Give us thankful hearts and remind us to look for ways we can use our mind, our muscles, our bodies, our eyes, our ears, and remind us to look for ways we can use our mind, our muscles, our bodies, our eyes, our ears, and every part of us to be kind to those around us. Amen.every part of us to be kind to those around us. Amen.

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Closing Bible Time/Send OffPlan a final large-group gathering before your guests leave. Use the devotional activities suggested below. Thank everyone for coming. Give a One of a Kind activity book (Item #OAK5AB) to each older child and a One of a Kind jumbo bookmark (Item #OAK5JBK) to each younger child as a final take-home gift. Also make sure each child has the items he or she made/collected during the event.

What You’ll Need

• One of a Kind activity books (Item #OAK5AB), one for each older child • One of a Kind jumbo bookmarks (Item #OAK5JBK), one for each younger child

What You’ll Say

So did you have fun today? Are you thankful to God for making you, and for making you just as he So did you have fun today? Are you thankful to God for making you, and for making you just as he did? Are you glad that all of us are different? Must our differences keep us from being friends? Not did? Are you glad that all of us are different? Must our differences keep us from being friends? Not at all! We praise God because each one of us is “fearfully and wonderfully made”at all! We praise God because each one of us is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).

If you ever wonder about that or feel bad about yourself, please find someone who can help you If you ever wonder about that or feel bad about yourself, please find someone who can help you remember how much God loves you and how special you are. There are lots of people who care about remember how much God loves you and how special you are. There are lots of people who care about you, people who want to help you.you, people who want to help you.

Right now, I want you to stop and look around this room. Look at each person. (Now remember that Right now, I want you to stop and look around this room. Look at each person. (Now remember that they are all looking back at you, too!) Each person you see is created by God. God has given each one they are all looking back at you, too!) Each person you see is created by God. God has given each one of us wonderful talents and amazing gifts. He loves each person very, very much. of us wonderful talents and amazing gifts. He loves each person very, very much.

Do we always treat others as if they are God’s special creations? No, sadly we do not. Sometimes we Do we always treat others as if they are God’s special creations? No, sadly we do not. Sometimes we think nasty thoughts about others. Sometimes we even think up ways to hurt others. We hurt one think nasty thoughts about others. Sometimes we even think up ways to hurt others. We hurt one another in lots of ways, by what we say, what we do, and even what we think. another in lots of ways, by what we say, what we do, and even what we think.

God sees that. God knows. Because of our sins, God knows we deserve to be punished. But instead, God sees that. God knows. Because of our sins, God knows we deserve to be punished. But instead, he invites us to pray to him. We can confess our sins. We can say, “Dear Lord, forgive me for being he invites us to pray to him. We can confess our sins. We can say, “Dear Lord, forgive me for being unkind to my friends. Forgive me for being selfish and thinking too much about myself. Forgive me for unkind to my friends. Forgive me for being selfish and thinking too much about myself. Forgive me for not helping when I could.” Jesus died on the cross for sins like these, and because he did, God will not helping when I could.” Jesus died on the cross for sins like these, and because he did, God will always, always forgive us!always, always forgive us!

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We can’t always see what is special about someone else. But God sees. God knows. God loves each We can’t always see what is special about someone else. But God sees. God knows. God loves each person he has made. And God wants us to care about each person, too, because he made them and person he has made. And God wants us to care about each person, too, because he made them and he loves them—just like he made he loves them—just like he made youyou and loves and loves youyou.

I want to teach you a cheer that will help you remember how special you are to God. I want to teach you a cheer that will help you remember how special you are to God.

Have everyone stand up. Say the words of the cheer for the group. Then repeat the words several times, inviting everyone to join in when they can. Add actions to the words that are underlined. For example, you might clap, snap your fingers, or jump up into the air at those points.

God God mademade me. God me. God lovesloves me. me.I am I am oneone of a of a kindkind.And And everyeverything athing aboutbout me meIs Is partpart of God’s de of God’s designsign.

When everyone is participating, say, This time I am going to change the words up a bit. When we do This time I am going to change the words up a bit. When we do the actions, I want you to find a partner and clap hands with your partner so that you hit opposite the actions, I want you to find a partner and clap hands with your partner so that you hit opposite hands on each beat. hands on each beat.

God God mademade you. God you. God lovesloves you. you.You are You are oneone of a of a kindkind.And And everyeverything athing aboutbout you youIs Is partpart of God’s de of God’s designsign.

Repeat the cheer several times. You might even have everyone change partners each time.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the way you made each of us. Thank you, too, for all the fun we Dear God, thank you for the way you made each of us. Thank you, too, for all the fun we had learning about each other today. Thank you for all the differences we see in our friends and had learning about each other today. Thank you for all the differences we see in our friends and neighbors. Help all of us to use our differing gifts and talents to help others. Teach us always to be neighbors. Help all of us to use our differing gifts and talents to help others. Teach us always to be kind to others, even when they are different from us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.kind to others, even when they are different from us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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HANDOUTSHANDOUTS

Fingerprint FactsOur fingerprints are tiny ridges. They help us pick things up. If we didn’t have the ridges many objects would just slip through our fingers.

We leave fingerprints behind when we touch things because of the oils in our skin. Fingerprints are really oil prints.

It is usually impossible to get fingerprints from fabric, clothing, or carpet because fibers absorb the oils that make the prints.

Identical twins have slightly different fingerprints.

Fingerprints develop when an unborn baby is just three months old.

Fingerprints do not change with growth or age.

Minor burns, cuts, and scrapes do not change fingerprints; the original pattern returns when new skin grows.

Family members tend to have similar fingerprint patterns, but no two people have identical fingerprints.

There are three basic types of fingerprints: loops, arches, and whorls.

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HANDOUTSHANDOUTS

Snowflake FactsAll snowflakes have six sides.

Every snowflake is unique; no flake is like any other flake.

The size of a snowflake depends on how many ice crystals connect together.

It takes about 200 ice crystals to make a snowflake.

A more scientific term for a snowflake is a “snow crystal.”

Snow is not actually white but clear. Snow looks white because of the way the light reflects off the ice crystals.

Snow can fall in a thunderstorm; when it does, it’s called thundersnow.

Snow crystals form in clouds when the temperature is below 32° F. Otherwise, the crystal melts and falls as rain.

Snow crystals are created by water droplets freezing onto tiny ice particles.

As an ice crystal drops through the cloud, it bumps and knocks against others and becomes a snowflake.

In 1921, 76 inches of snow fell in Silver Lake, Colorado. This is the record for any 24-hour period.

The largest snowman ever was 122 feet tall. It was built in Maine in 2008.

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HANDOUTSHANDOUTS

Questions About YouWhat is something you enjoy doing?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is something you are good at doing?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is something you can do but would like to do better? How can you get better?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is something you would like to try?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Questions About YouWhat is something you enjoy doing?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is something you are good at doing?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is something you can do but would like to do better? How can you get better?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is something you would like to try?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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HANDOUTSHANDOUTS

Did You Know—Fingerprints? 1. The tiny ridges on our _________ help us to _____ ______ objects. If we didn’t have these ridges, most objects would just ________ through our fingers.

2. The ______ in our skin cause fingerprints to be left behind when we touch things.

3. Fingerprints develop when an unborn baby is 33 55 99 months old. (Circle one.)

4. Fingerprints change as you get older. True False

5. If you cut your finger, your fingerprint will be destroyed. True False

Did You Know—Snowflakes? 1. Each snowflake is unique, but all snowflakes have _________ sides.

2. Each snowflake is made up of about ________ ice crystals.

3. A more scientific term for a snowflake is “__________ ________________.”

4. Snow is not actually white but clear. True False

5. ________________ is when it snows during a thunderstorm.

6. The air through which snowflakes fall has to be colder than _______ °. Otherwise, the snowflake will simply melt and turn into _____________.

7. The most snow ever to fall in a 24-hour period was more than 75 inches. True False

8. The world’s largest snowman was ________ feet tall.

Documents

of a Kind - · PDF fileof a Kind 2 I am not an accident ... about your event before making copies. ... • Wipes or access to a sink with warm water and soap What You’ll Do