FAITH QUEST

Shepherds and Angels

Workshop Leaders’ Bible Study

This workshop leader’s Bible study is a historical, theological, and contextual introduction to the Shepherds and Angels rotation of Kirk of Kildaire’s Faith Quest workshop rotation program. It is intended to provide workshop leaders with:

· A historical context for understanding the Bible story.

· A Biblical context for reading and teaching the story.

· The theological basis for the concepts to be taught to the children.

In Kirk of Kildaire’s Faith Quest program, workshop leaders attend a one-hour Bible study two weeks prior to the start of a new rotation. This Bible study helps workshop leaders understand how the concepts to be taught to the children are derived from the Bible story and how the lessons in the rotation fit together to reinforce the concepts. It also provides an opportunity for the workshop leaders to grow in their own faith and understanding of the Bible.

It will be helpful to have a chalkboard, whiteboard, or flip chart for writing down questions or observations during the Bible study.

Note: This is not a comprehensive study of the text, but only a few notes to help provide context and background for workshop leaders. Consult titles cited in the reference list at the end of these notes for more information.

Scripture:

Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1: 26-38

Memory verse for this rotation:

“Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.”– Luke 2:10 (CEV)

Concepts:

· God sent Jesus because God loves us.

· God cares equally for all people.

God communicates with people in different ways.
We can learn from the shepherds about how to respond to God.

Prayer Concerns & Prayer

· If workshop leaders do not know each other, give them an opportunity to introduce each other and say which workshop they will be leading.

· Begin the Bible study by praying for God’s guidance as teachers begin a new rotation.

Reading the text

Ask a workshop leader to read the text aloud. Ask the workshop leaders what questions came to mind as they heard the story or read it before the Bible study. Write down any questions that arise and will need to be answered during the Bible study.

Workshop Summaries

Ask each workshop leader to summarize his or her workshop. As they do so, point out the concepts that each lesson reinforces. Ask workshop leaders if they have any questions about the logistics or practical application of their lesson.

Antioch Arcade: The children will play a game using the buzzer box to see how well they know the story of the shepherds and angels. The class will discuss angels as messengers from God, how the shepherds responded to the angels’ message, and how they can be like the shepherds.

Apostles’ Playhouse: The children will use familiar Christmas carols to learn how God used shepherds and angels to communicate with people and learn about Jesus.

Creation Station: Children will create a decorative 3-dimensional angel or shepherd figure as a physical reminder of the story.

Holywood: Children will view the video “Christmas Is” and will discuss the importance of the poor shepherds in bringing the message of the birth of Jesus to the world.

Bread of Life Café: The children will make cookies to eat and to share with others as learn about how the angels shared the Good News of Jesus’ birth with the shepherds.

Review Questions

Return to the questions that were gathered at the start of the hour. Have they been answered? Are there any further questions about the Bible story or about the lessons?

Closing Prayer

Close the Bible study with a prayer.