BIG IDEA: After God creates and fills the world, God makes one last thing - rest.

VOLUNTEER PREPARATION IN ADVANCE:

• Today, we continue following the story of creation presented in Genesis with the final day - the day of rest. Here, God looks upon the beauty of creation and rests from work.
• It may be difficult for us to imagine what rest might look like for the God who holds the universe together. The beauty of this day is drawn out more clearly when the gift of rest is extended to humans - even mandated in the commandments. God knows that we need rest, and that we rest best when we rest in God’s love and care for us.
• Spend some time in prayer, thanking God for the gift of rest, asking that God will give us time and space to find rest in our play this morning.  

8:45 AM/4:45 PM WELCOME

• Play music from the bluetooth speaker, connecting to one of the linked Mission Kids playlists, 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. Learn children’s names and help introduce them to one another as many of them are new to this room.

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.

• Use the “Golden Rules” document as a visual and discuss expectations.

• Provide instruments from the music basket if you’d like. Sing 2-3 of the songs from the “Mission Kids Sing Along” playlist found on the back of the binder.

9:30 AM/5:30 PM TEACHING TIME

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

• ASK: Good morning! Have you ever been so SO tired that you just wanted to lay down and go to sleep? What did that feel like? What made you so tired?

• SAY: We’ve been learning about the beautiful world that God created. We learned about how God made the heavens and the earth. We learned about how God made the land and the sea. We learned how God made the sun, moon, and stars to fill the sky, and God made plants and animals to fill the land and the sea.

• ASK: Do you remember the last thing that God made? (humans)

• SAY: Last of all, God made humans like you and me! When God made humans, God said “let us make humans in our image and likeness.” God made us to look like God!  

• ASK: What did God say after God made humans?

• SAY: After making humans God didn’t just say “good.” God said, “Very good!” That means God was so, so happy to make us! God looked on all of beautiful creation and smiled. After all that hard work, God finally rested from making the world.

• ASK: Why do you think God rested?

• SAY: God knows that you and I need rest, too. Not just rest like sleep, but rest from our work and our play. Sometimes, we just need a break. God made rest for you and me, so that we can recover when we’re tired from working or tired from playing.

• ASK: What’s something that makes you tired? What’s something that helps you rest from that thing?

• SAY: When God rested from the work of creation, God didn’t just stop there. God still makes things even now. Every new flower and beautiful sunrise is God’s work.
• WONDER:

• I wonder what it felt like for the first humans to rest with God?
• I wonder how you might need rest today?

• PRAY: Get into a posture that is comfortable for you to pray - bowing your head, closing your eyes, etc) Dear God, thank you for making all this big beautiful world for us to play in. Thanks for the gift of rest. We love you. Amen.  

• SAY: Let’s all say the Lord’s Prayer together if you remember! (Pray through the Lord’s Prayer slowly.) 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!

9:45 AM/5:45 PM ACTIVITY & STORY TIME

• DO: ART: Watercolor

• Pass out a watercolor sheet to each child, writing their name on the back with a Sharpie.
• Pass out watercolor supplies, reminding children that the brush goes from WATER to PAINT to PAPER.  

• READ: While children work on their craft, read “Be Still & Know” and “Caring For Creation from Wonder & Wisdom (pg. 62-65). Pause for questions and engagement while reading.

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.