The Lost Sheep I

VOLUNTEER PREPARATION IN ADVANCE:

• READ: Luke 15:4-7 and spend some time meditating on Jesus’ particular love and care as portrayed in this parable. What do you notice about how the shepherd cares for the sheep?

• PRAY: Ask specifically that God would give you the heart of a good shepherd for the children under your care today.  

• 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, but this time, Jesus shows his love for us through a story he told called a parable.  

• ASK: Do you know anything about sheep? What do sheep do? What do they need? Who cares for sheep?

• SAY: Shepherds care for sheep. They take them to  green grass and cool water for them to eat and drink.  They protect them from things that want to eat them. They give them names and call them to places they need to go.

• ASK: What do you think would happen if a shepherd lost one of their sheep? What would the shepherd do?

• READ: “The Sheep That Was Lost” from Read-Aloud Bible Stories Vol. 5 (pg. 37). Pause for questions and engagement while reading.

• ASK: What did the shepherd do when he couldn’t find the sheep?

• SAY:  The shepherd looked near and far for the missing sheep! He looked in grassy fields and thorny bushes and by the water until he finally found the sheep.

• ASK: What did the shepherd do when he found the sheep?

• SAY: The shepherd brought the sheep home and celebrated that he found the sheep he had lost! Do you know that the Bible says that Jesus is like a shepherd? Jesus says he is the Good Shepherd who takes care of us by loving us and keeping us safe. If Jesus is like a shepherd, then you and I are kind of like sheep.

• ASK: What’s something that makes you feel safe?

• SAY: Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He knows our names and loves us so much. When we feel lost or scared, Jesus looks for us and brings us close again.

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 were mentioned in response to the lesson’s question) Dear Jesus, thank you for being our Good Shepherd. Thank you for finding us, loving us, and keeping us safe. Help us to follow you every day. 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: Coloring Sheets & Play-Doh Mats

• Pass out coloring sheets and coloring supplies, writing each child’s name on the back with a Sharpie.
• Pass out Play-Doh supplies and mats. Help children create a Play-Doh version of themselves with 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.