March 14 – April 11, 2004
Scripture: John 20:1-18 and 21:1-14
Memory Verse:
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life!” John 14:6 (CEV)
Concepts:
Objectives:
1. Children will view the video The Story of Easter. The story covers all the concepts in general terms.
2. Reinforce the concepts through discussion.
Procedure:
Welcome and Introductions:
1. Greet the children and introduce yourself. Wear your nametag. Make sure the children are wearing nametags. If not, ask the shepherd to supply a temporary badge. Remember you are interacting with a different group of students each week that may not know you.
2. Explain to the children that the purpose of this workshop is to accept and understand that is ok to follow Jesus and that we can trust him to take care of us.
Scripture/Bible Story:
Read the Bible story. Encourage the children to use their Bibles in looking up verses. You may want to ask the children to read or you may want to read the scripture yourself. If a child does not want to read that is perfectly fine. Be creative in giving suggestions for retelling the story in weeks 3-5 when the children are more familiar with the story. You may want to ask them what happened first, second, etc.
Application:
1. Show the video. It’s about 30 minutes long if it is cued after the beginning credits.
2. When the video is over turn the lights on.
Ask: Do you know what “betray” means? (Answers may vary and many of the younger children may not know, so explain what betray means so they can understand the importance of Jesus’ betrayal) Who betrayed Jesus? (Judas) What was Judas given as a reward for betraying Jesus? (30 silver coins) Why did Jesus die on the cross for us? (To save us from our sins.) Why were there soldiers on guard outside the tomb? (To keep Jesus’ followers from taking his body. You may get more in depth answers which would be wonderful, but you may also want to explain that even the soldiers could not stop Jesus’ resurrection.) Did Jesus go to heaven right away after his death or did his followers have another chance to see him? (No, his followers saw him again.) How is Jesus present in your life today? (Answers will vary; you may also need to tell how Jesus is present in your life first in order for the children to glean a few ideas so they can answer.)
Reflection Time:
At 10:35 a.m. ask the shepherds to pass out the journal pages and pencils/markers. Suggestion: You may wish to give the children a sticker or some memento to paste on their journal page as a reminder of the story or activity.
Remind them that the offering from this rotation will go One Great Hour.
Suggested prompts for journal writing: For the younger children you may want to ask them to draw the tomb or Jesus ascending to heaven.
At 10:45 ask the students to close their journals and sit quietly for prayer.
Prayer: Suggestion for the closing prayer. Dear God, Thank you for hearing my prayers and for your son, Jesus Christ. Help me to follow your ways in my daily life. Amen.
Tidy and Dismissal: Ask children to help clean up popcorn before they leave Holywood. Wait until after class to pile up the beanbag chairs. The kids tend to throw them. Wipe out popcorn machine thoroughly, do not use water.
Teacher preparation in advance:
1. Read the scripture passages and attend the Faith Quest Leaders Bible Study.
2. Prepare a closing prayer.
3. Check out the workshop room before your first Sunday so that you know where everything is located.
4. PRACTICE OPERATING THE POPCORN MACHINE.
Supply List
· Video will be given to you at the Workshop Leaders’ Bible Study.
· Journal pages will also be provided at the Bible study or the first Sunday of the rotation.
· Stickers if you want to put them on the journal pages.
References
Lori Houck, Kirk Faith Quest Bible Study Leader
The Story of Easter, 1995, Sony Music Entertainment and Time-Life Video & Television, 1-800-621-7026, ISBN 0-7835-8489-X