The Boys & Girls & Jesus II

VOLUNTEER PREPARATION IN ADVANCE:

• READ: Luke 18:15-17 and spend some time meditating on Jesus’ particular love and care for children.

• PRAY:  Ask specifically that God would give you a heart like Jesus toward children, and would stir up the faith of a trusting child in you.

• ROLES: Determine who will lead the lesson and activity.

8:45 AM/4:45 PM WELCOME

• Play music from the bluetooth speaker, connecting to one of the linked Mission Kids playlists (found on the back of the binder), or playing soft, calm music.

• Set up a tabletop activity: playdoh, puzzles, craft supplies.

• Families drop off children. One volunteer greets each child at the door by name.

• Engage with the children as they sit at the table or free play. Having an activity for them to participate in right when they enter the room can be a really helpful way to transition into the space.

9:15 AM/5:15 PM TRANSITION AND CLEAN UP

• To signify transition, lead in the following song…

• When clean up is over, say loudly: “The Lord be with you!” and children will respond, “And also with you!

9:20 AM/5:20 PM MUSIC TIME & EXPECTATIONS

• Gather the children on the carpet in a circle. We want everyone to see each other’s faces as this is the first day in our new classrooms! Use the “Golden Rules” document as a visual and discuss expectations.

• Sing 2-3 of the songs from below (found on “Mission Kids Sing Along”). Turn to the lyrics tab for lyrics for the songs.

9:40 AM/5:40 PM STORY TIME

• To signify transition, lead in the following finger play…

• SAY: Hello everyone! It’s so good to be with you here today.  This week, we’re going to continue to learn about Jesus and how he cares for people, especially YOU!

• ASK: Who is someone that loves you a lot? (allow for answers)

• SAY: It’s so good that we have so many people who love and care for us. We have parents, friends, and others who love us so SO much. We’ve been following the stories throughout Jesus’ life that show us how he loves and cares for the people around him. Jesus spent time talking and caring for the rich and the poor, the sick and the healthy, the sad and the glad. Jesus also cared for both the young and the old!

• SAY: Last week, we read a story about Jesus and his disciples. In the story, some people wanted to bring their children to Jesus, but the disciples said he was too busy.

• ASK: Do any of you remember what Jesus said to his disciples?

• SAY: Jesus said, “Let them come!” Jesus wasn’t too busy for children! Jesus loves children, just like you. Let’s read our story together.

• READ: “Jesus Loves Kids” from Tiny Truths Bible  (pg. 186-189). Pause for questions and engagement while reading.

• ASK: What did the disciples say when people brought the children to Jesus?

• SAY: They thought that Jesus didn’t want to see the children and that he was too busy for them. But Jesus told them, “no! These are exactly who I came to see.”

• ASK: Our story said that when Jesus said, “Come!” the children RAN to him. Why do you think they ran to Jesus?

• SAY: The children in our story knew that they were made to be with Jesus. You’re made to be with Jesus, too! You were made special by God, and God loves you so SO much. You and I were made to be with Jesus.

• WONDER:

• What kind of things do you think Jesus prayed over the children?
•  I wonder what you would do if Jesus walked in our door to pray for you right now.

9:50 AM/5:50 PM PRAYER TIME

• PRAY: Get into a posture that is comfortable for you to pray - bowing your head, closing your eyes, etc. Include any requests that we’re mentioned in response to the lesson’s question) Dear God, thank you for never being too busy for us. You always want to hear us and be with us. We love you. Amen.

• SAY: Let’s all say the Lord’s Prayer together if you remember! (Slowly pray through the Lord’s Prayer.) Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen!

9:55 AM/5:55 PM ACTIVITY TIME

• DO: ART: Jesus and You

• Pass out one rectangular sheet with Jesus on it to each child. Write each child’s name on the back with a Sharpie
• Pass out supplies to decorate Jesus.
• Give each child a smaller cut-out to decorate like themselves. Have them glue their little figure next to Jesus.

• DO: MOVE

• If you’d like to lead a group game or movement activity, turn to the end of the lesson for options available.

10:20 AM/6:20 PM(ish) CHECK-OUT

• Before children leave, communion or blessings will be given to each in attendance.

• Children should put on shoes and art creations should be gathered.

• Parents will arrive at the room to pick up children. Ensure that all belongings are taken by the parent as they leave.

CLASSROOM CLEANING CHECKLIST

• Return Mission Kids cart with all belongings and all supplies to St. Joseph’s Children’s Chapel. Make sure everything has a lid so it does not dry out!

• As this is a shared space, it is important that we are good stewards of each room and clean up before leaving. Return all toys and supplies to shelves and wipe down high-touched surfaces/toys with a sanitizing wipe.

• Vacuum floors and set trash bags in the hallway, if needed.