Lesson 1: Jesus Clears the Temple March 8, 2015 | Lent 3 (violet) | John 2:13–22 Key Point: Jesus’ cleansing of the temple carries a twofold message: He is the Lord of the temple, in the flesh; even more important, He is the true temple, in whom our sins are paid for and we are made heirs of eternal life. Law/Gospel: I sin when I do not honor God’s house or when I disturb the worship of others. Jesus is my holy temple who, by His sacrifice on the altar of the cross, cleansed me from sin and made me a member of His Body. To bring: Engage Approximate time: Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Bible Challenge Question: Although the Jerusalem temple was used in New Testament times for worshiping the Lord, what name was it commonly called, and why? Herod’s temple, because Herod the Great started building it Notes: To bring: Explore Approximate time: Level 1 (Grades 1–3) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Adult Bible Study Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_____________________ Notes: Level 2 (Grades 4–6) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: To bring: Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Music: Oh, How I Love Jesus; The Church’s One Foundation; 1 John 1:8–9 Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Skit: Jesus Clears the Temple Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Craft: Church Frame Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Food Activity: Here Is the Church Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Group Activity: Church Treasure Hunt Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: *If applicable Slot 6*: Lesson 2: Jesus Walks on Water March 15, 2015 | Lent 4 (violet) | Matthew 14:22–33 Key Point: Jesus was gracious to Peter when he feared drowning. Jesus is gracious to us and ready to catch us when we sink in sin and unbelief. His hand is always strong to save. Law/Gospel: The First Commandment tells me that I should fear, love, and trust in God above all things. Jesus kept the First Commandment perfectly for me, and when I sink in unbelief, His faithful hand grabs me, pulls me up, and forgives me. To bring: Engage Approximate time: Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Bible Challenge Question: Which one of these statements is not true: A. James and John walked on water. B. Peter walked on water. C. Jesus walked on water. A. James and John walked on water. Notes: To bring: Explore Approximate time: Level 1 (Grades 1–3) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Level 2 (Grades 4–6) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Adult Bible Study Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: To bring: Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Music: Song for Lent; Be Still, Oh, Stormy Sea; Mark 5:36 Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Skit: Jesus Walks on Water Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Craft: Storms-of-Life Pinwheel Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Food Activity: A Hand of Rescue Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Group Activity: Jesus Rescues Us Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: *If applicable Slot 6*: Lesson 3: The Widow’s Mite March 22, 2015 | Lent 5 (violet) | Mark 12:41–44 Key Point: The widow gave all she had to God, trusting Him to provide and care for her; her actions point us to Jesus, who gave His all for us, even though we fail to trust in God for all things. Law/Gospel: I do not always obey God's demands that I love Him with all my heart, all my soul, and all my might; I am not willing to give Him all that I have. Christ loves me with all His heart, all His soul, and all His might; He willingly gave up His life for me to ransom me and make me His own. To bring: Engage Approximate time: Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Bible Challenge Question: Which word in the Bible describes a small coin, worth about one-fifth of a cent? A. mustard seed, B. mite, C. mitt B. mite Notes: To bring: Explore Approximate time: Level 1 (Grades 1–3) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Level 2 (Grades 4–6) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Adult Bible Study Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: To bring: Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Music: Psalm 145:15–16; Take My Life and Let It Be; Make Me Like You Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Skit: The Widow’s Mite Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Craft: Felt Wallet Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Food Activity: How Much Will You Give? Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Group Activity: Making Pennies New Again Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: Service Project: A Chance to Give Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: *If applicable Slot 6*: Lesson 4: Peter Denies Jesus March 29, 2015 | Passion Sunday (scarlet/violet) | Mark 14:26–72 Key Point: Though we, like Peter, deny Jesus and His gifts, Jesus cannot deny us because we are part of Him, baptized members of His own Body. Instead, He forgives us and welcomes us back. Law/Gospel: I deny Jesus when I fail to acknowledge Him and live as if I do not know Him. Even when I deny Him, Jesus will never turn His back on me, never refuse me, and never stop loving me. Instead, He draws me back, forgives me, and treats me as if I had never denied Him. To bring: Engage Approximate time: Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Bible Challenge Question: Golgotha and Calvary are two names for the same place. What happened here? Jesus died on the cross for our sins on this hill outside the city of Jerusalem. Notes: To bring: Explore Approximate time: Level 1 (Grades 1–3) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Level 2 (Grades 4–6) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Adult Bible Study Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: To bring: Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Music: Hosanna!; The Last Supper; These Things Are Written Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Skit: Peter Denies Jesus Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Craft: Forgiveness Rooster Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Food Activity: Essential Ingredients! Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Group Activity: Yes, No, or Maybe Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: *If applicable Slot 6*: Lesson 5: Jesus Dies and Lives Again April 5, 2015 | Easter (white/gold) | Mark 15:1–16:8 Key Point: Good Friday is both the worst of days, showing God’s punishment for sin, and the best of days, revealing God’s undeserved love for us through the crucifixion and resurrection of His Son. Law/Gospel: Though I was not there physically, I am among those who spat in Jesus' face and crucified Him by my sinfulness. Willingly, Jesus came to earth, suffered, died, and rose again so that God might forgive my sins and give me eternal life with Him forever. To bring: Engage Approximate time: Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Bible Challenge Question: Which disciple of Jesus did not see the Lord on the first day He rose from the dead? A. Mary Magdalene, B. Peter, C. Thomas, D. John, E. Salome C. Thomas Notes: To bring: Explore Approximate time: Level 1 (Grades 1–3) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Level 2 (Grades 4–6) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Adult Bible Study Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: To bring: Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Music: When I Behold Jesus Christ; John 11:25–26; He Is Risen Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Skit: Jesus Dies and Lives Again Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Craft: Empty Tomb Cup Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Food Activity: From Death to Life Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Group Activity: Weighed Down with Sin Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: *If applicable Slot 6*: Lesson 6: Jesus Reinstates Peter April 12, 2015 | Easter 2 (white) | John 21:1–19 Key Point: We are all like Peter in our words and actions, denying our Lord and weeping bitterly over what we have done. We need the same comfort Peter received—the comfort of sins forgiven and the assurance that even when we are faithless, Jesus remains faithful. Law/Gospel: God demands that I love Him and none other, solely and completely. In my sin, I worship whatever pleases me the most at the time. God’s love is everlasting and ever faithful; when I deny Him, He acknowledges me for Christ’s sake. To bring: Engage Approximate time: Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Bible Challenge Question: True or false? After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples many times, including at least twice in Galilee. True. See Matthew 28:16–20 and John 21:1. Notes: To bring: Explore Approximate time: Level 1 (Grades 1–3) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Level 2 (Grades 4–6) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Adult Bible Study Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: To bring: Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Music: Make Songs of Joy; The Beach Story; The Baa, Baa Song Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Skit: Jesus Reinstates Peter Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Craft: Lamb Paper Snap Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Food Activity: Feed My Lambs; Feed My Sheep Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Group Activity: Forgive Me Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: *If applicable Slot 6*: Lesson 7: The Conversion of Paul April 19, 2015 | Easter 3 (white) | Acts 9:1–31 Key Point: Through the Law, we are crushed by the weight of our sin, and like Paul, we are enemies of God, unable to save ourselves. As God revived Paul through Ananias, He revives us through the proclamation of His Word and the administration of His Sacraments, granting forgiveness, life, and salvation to all who believe. Law/Gospel: Because I am a sinner, I fail to stand up for Christ in the world, and I fear persecution. As a member of Christ’s Body, the Church, I receive God’s love and forgiveness in Christ and am strengthened in faith through His Word and Sacraments to live as His child, reflecting His love to the world. To bring: Engage Approximate time: Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Bible Challenge Question: What is the Hebrew name of the apostle Paul, whom God sent to preach to Gentiles throughout the Roman world? Saul Notes: To bring: Explore Approximate time: Level 1 (Grades 1–3) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Level 2 (Grades 4–6) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Adult Bible Study Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: To bring: Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Music: By All Your Saints in Warfare; Jesus, I Believe in You; 2 Corinthians 5:21 Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Skit: The Conversion of Paul Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Craft: Flash-of-Light Luminary Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Food Activity: Blindfold or Faith? Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Group Activity: Falling Scales Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: *If applicable Slot 6*: Lesson 8: Paul’s First Missionary Journey April 26, 2015 | Easter 4 (white) | Acts 13–14 Key Point: Just as God sent Paul and Barnabas to spread the Gospel, so today He sends pastors and missionaries to preach the Gospel, baptize, and administer the Lord's Supper in mission fields around the world. Law/Gospel: When I despise the preaching of God’s Word, do not hold it sacred, and do not gladly hear and learn it, I sin and support Satan’s cause. The gates of hell will not prevail against the Church and God’s Word, through which sinners are converted and through which I receive the grace of God. To bring: Engage Approximate time: Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Bible Challenge Question: What is a missionary? A missionary is someone sent by a church to an area to tell other people about Jesus. A missionary might also provide medical care, education, or other needs for people. Notes: To bring: Explore Approximate time: Level 1 (Grades 1–3) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Level 2 (Grades 4–6) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Adult Bible Study Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: To bring: Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Music: These Things Are Written; For God So Loved the World; Tell It Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Skit: Paul’s First Missionary Journey Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Craft: Filtered-Light Stained Glass Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Food Activity: Spread the Word Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Group Activity: Church Workers Game Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: Service Project: Expression of Thanks Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: *If applicable Slot 6*: Lesson 9: Paul and Timothy May 3, 2015 | Easter 5 (white) | Acts 15:1–16:5 Key Point: Human reason believes, as many did in Paul’s day, that we must do something to be saved. Yet the answer is always Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus, whose resurrection from the dead sealed our salvation and absolved the world. Law/Gospel: I sin when I believe that Jesus is not enough for my salvation or when I think that I must do something, however small, to contribute to my salvation. Jesus has done it all perfectly for me. In Him, my salvation is complete. To bring: Engage Approximate time: Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Bible Challenge Question: Paul had several traveling partners on his missionary journeys. Which of these people traveled with him? A. Titus, B. Timothy, C. Silas, D. All of them, E. None of them D. All of them Notes: To bring: Explore Approximate time: Level 1 (Grades 1–3) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Level 2 (Grades 4–6) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Adult Bible Study Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: To bring: Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Music: Jesus, I Believe in You; Take My Life and Let It Be; 1 Timothy 2:4 Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Skit: Paul and Timothy Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Craft: Salvation Wreath Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Food Activity: Many Backgrounds, One Source of Salvation Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Group Activity: Removing Sin’s Stain Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: *If applicable Slot 6*: Lesson 10: Lydia May 10, 2015 | Easter 6 (white) | Acts 16:11–15 Key Point: Just as God worked His miracle beside the river, clothing Lydia with Christ in Baptism, so God works His miracles in pulpits and fonts around the world, destroying the work of Satan by washing away sins in water combined with God's Word and clothing believers with His righteousness. Law/Gospel: Full of pride and guided by my emotions and experiences, I look for God and His works where I think He should be, instead of humbly following His Word. Christ locates Himself and His saving gifts for me in specific places: His baptismal font, His pulpit, His altar— wherever His Word is spoken, sung, poured, eaten, or drunk. To bring: Engage Approximate time: Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Bible Challenge Question: True or false? Everywhere Paul traveled, all of the people loved him and his message about Jesus. False. Sometimes people rejected Paul and the Gospel. His health and life were often in danger. Notes: To bring: Explore Approximate time: Level 1 (Grades 1–3) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Level 2 (Grades 4–6) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Adult Bible Study Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: To bring: Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Music: Oh, How I Love Jesus; All Who Believe and Are Baptized; Acts 2:38 Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Skit: Lydia Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Craft: Clothed in Christ Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Food Activity: Coated in Forgiveness: Purple-Glazed Shell Cakes Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Group Activity: Finding Jesus Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: *If applicable Slot 6*: Lesson 11: Paul and Silas in Prison May 17, 2015 | Easter 7 (white) | Acts 16:16–40 Key Point: Just as God opened the prison, granting Paul and Silas freedom and new life, so Christ by His crucifixion and resurrection frees us from the prison of our sins and grants us life eternal. Law/Gospel: The world hates Christ and His followers and rejects me because of Him. In my sin, I dislike and would avoid this persecution. The Spirit pours the peace of Christ into me, forgiving, strengthening, and sustaining me in Christ. To bring: Engage Approximate time: Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Bible Challenge Question: Which disciple went to jail with Paul in the city of Philippi? Silas Notes: To bring: Explore Approximate time: Level 1 (Grades 1–3) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Level 2 (Grades 4–6) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Adult Bible Study Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: To bring: Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Music: 1 Timothy 2:4; Angels, Angels; Mark 5:36 Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Skit: Paul and Silas in Prison Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Craft: Prayer Boxes Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Food Activity: Jesus Sets Us Free Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Group Activity: Sing-Off and Dance-Off Competition Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: *If applicable Slot 6*: Lesson 12: Paul Sails for Rome May 24, 2015 | Pentecost (red) | Acts 27 Key Point: As Christ was with Paul and his companions in a perilous sea voyage, so He is with us, holding us up, keeping us with Him in the ship of the Church, and casting all our sins into the depths of the sea. Law/Gospel: In sinful despair, I let the pains of the present overtake me; I doubt God and do not trust His redeeming love. Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever, rides out the storms of life with me, granting me hope in my redemption. To bring: Engage Approximate time: Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Bible Challenge Question: Name some ways people traveled in Bible times. Walking, sailing, riding a donkey or camel, or riding in a chariot Notes: To bring: Explore Approximate time: Level 1 (Grades 1–3) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Level 2 (Grades 4–6) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Adult Bible Study Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: To bring: Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Music: Our Rescue; Here I Stand; Jesus Lights the Way Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Skit: Paul Sails for Rome Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Craft: Floating Boat Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Food Activity: Edible Boats Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Group Activity: Wavy Waters Parachute Play Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: Service Project: Disaster Relief Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: *If applicable Slot 6*: Lesson 13: John’s Vision of Heaven May 31, 2015 | Trinity Sunday (white) | Revelation 21–22 Key Point: Those who believe that salvation has been accomplished by the all-availing sacrifice of Jesus on the cross will bear the sign of Christ, written on their forehead in Holy Baptism, and they will have access to the tree of life. Law/Gospel: If I do not believe in Christ as my Savior, I will not enter the gates of heaven. I am baptized and believe in Jesus, the Lamb of God; He has written my name in His Book of Life. Someday, I will live with Him in the new heavenly Jerusalem, where there will be no more sorrow or pain or death. To bring: Engage Approximate time: Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Bible Challenge Question: What do you think heaven will be like? Tell someone near you about it. Answers vary. Notes: To bring: Explore Approximate time: Level 1 (Grades 1–3) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Level 2 (Grades 4–6) Location:__________________ Leader(s):__________________ __________________________ __________________________ Notes: Adult Bible Study Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: To bring: Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Music: Holy Trinity Song; Holy Holy Holy; Revelation 21:4 Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Skit: John’s Vision of Heaven Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Craft: Heaven Banner Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Food Activity: God Knows My Name! Location:_____________________ Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes: Group Activity: True or False? Location:_____________________ Leader(s):______________________________________ Notes: *If applicable Slot 6*:
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