TWO TODAY S SUGGESTED SCHEDULE BIBLE STORY SMALL GROUP MEMORY VERSE LARGE GROUP KEY QUESTION BOTTOM LINE SMALL GROUP BASIC TRUTH

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B I B L E S T O R Y

We can trust God’s plan.

JERICHO JOSHUA 5:13–6:27

M E M O R Y V E R S E

“I trust in God. I am not afraid.” PSALM 56:11, NIRV

K E Y Q U E S T I O N

Who can trust God?

B O T T O M L I N E

I can trust God.

B A S I C T R U T H

God loves me.

T O D A Y ’ S S U G G E S T E D S C H E D U L E

PRELUDE:Setting the tone for the experience

See the Getting Ready pages at the end of this document for a detailed description of what you’ll need for today.

In the Prelude folder of your curriculum, you’ll find a variety of other resources to help you prepare.

SMALL GROUP

SOCIAL:Providing time for fun interaction Offer one or more of these activities as preschoolers arrive. Marching Music

Follow the Plan Rhythm Stick Playing

LARGE GROUP

WORSHIP:Inviting people to respond to God

STORY:Communicating God’s truth in engaging ways “Jesus No Matter What” and “Really Awesome Plan” Bible Story

Prayer

SMALL GROUP

GROUPS:Creating a safe place to connect

Offer as many of these activities as your time, facilities, resources, and leadership allow.

Memory Verse Motions Plan Time to March

Wall Building Seven Circles

Around the Jericho Wall Journal and Prayer

HOME: Prompting action beyond the experience

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B I B L E S T O R Y

M E M O R Y V E R S E

K E Y Q U E S T I O N

Who can trust God?

B O T T O M L I N E

I can trust God.

B A S I C T R U T H

God loves me.

PROVIDING TIME FOR FUN INTERACTION 15 MINUTES

1. MARCHING MUSIC

W H AT Y O U N E E D : Paper towel or wrapping paper tube; music player; and monthly song, “Jesus No Matter What” Option: You may choose to decorate your leader staff (paper tube) to make it more festive. If you choose to do this, you can use streamers, stickers, pom poms, sequins, etc.; be creative!

W H AT Y O U D O :

B E F O R E T H E A C T I V I T Y: Have the children line up in a single-file line. Choose a leader. The leader can be an adult or a child. Give the leader the paper tube as their marching staff. Turn on the music.

D U R I N G T H E A C T I V I T Y: Lead the children around the room while marching. Change the direction of where you go several times. Try to march to the music. If you allow a child to lead, change leaders several times so that everyone has a turn.

W H AT Y O U S AY:

B E F O R E T H E A C T I V I T Y: “Let’s march in a band! [Child’s name] will be our leader!”

D U R I N G T H E A C T I V I T Y: “The leader of our marching band needs this marching staff! (Hold up and start marching.) Let’s march all around the room. Are you ready? (Pause.) Great job! Let’s do it again and go another way! Keep marching!” (Finish activity.)

A F T E R T H E A C T I V I T Y: “You are a fantastic marching band! People march in our Bible story, too! I am so excited to hear our TRUE story from the Bible!” T R A N S I T I O N : Move to Worship and Story by marching to the story area.

M A D E T O M O V E

an activity that uses a preschooler’s natural desire to move to help

them learn

M A D E T O M O V E

them learn

M A D E T O M O V E

them learn

M A D E T O M O V E

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B I B L E S T O R Y

M E M O R Y V E R S E

K E Y Q U E S T I O N

Who can trust God?

B O T T O M L I N E

I can trust God.

B A S I C T R U T H

God loves me.

2. FOLLOW THE PLAN

W H AT Y O U N E E D : Set of pattern blocks, “Pattern Block Boats” Activity Page, and cardstock

B E F O R E T H E A C T I V I T Y: Copy “Pattern Block Boats” on cardstock, multiple sets for activity. Set the Activity Pages on the table along with a set of pattern blocks.

D U R I N G T H E A C T I V I T Y: Encourage the children to select a boat pattern and find the pattern blocks to set on top of each spot to create a boat. As they finish, they may switch patterns with a friend to create a different boat. A F T E R T H E A C T I V I T Y: Gather all pattern blocks into the container and set the Activity Pages and blocks aside for clean-up.

B E F O R E T H E A C T I V I T Y: “Do you see all these fun pattern blocks? You can arrange these blocks to make all kinds of things! What do you see on these pages? (Pause.) Yes, boats! This page gives you a plan for building a boat with these blocks! Let’s follow the plan!”

A F T E R T H E A C T I V I T Y: “You did an awesome job of following the plan! Great boat building, friends. In our Bible story today, we’ll learn that God has a plan. Can we trust God’s plan? (Pause.) Yes, always! Let’s go!”

T R A N S I T I O N : Move to Worship and Story by calling out a “plan” for walking. Explain before you start that you have plan for them to follow so they need to listen carefully. Every few feet or so, lead the children in a silly way. Walk in a circle, march, lead them through a different door, etc.

M A D E T O P L AY

an activity that encourages preschoolers to follow guidelines

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B I B L E S T O R Y

M E M O R Y V E R S E

K E Y Q U E S T I O N

Who can trust God?

B O T T O M L I N E

I can trust God.

B A S I C T R U T H

God loves me.

3. RHYTHM STICK PLAYING

W H AT Y O U N E E D : “Rhythm Stick Cards” Activity Pages, cardstock, and rhythm sticks or small dowels

B E F O R E T H E A C T I V I T Y: Copy “Rhythm Stick Cards” on cardstock, one set per activity. Set two rhythm sticks on the floor in a circle where each child will sit.

D U R I N G T H E A C T I V I T Y: Gather the children to sit in a large circle with the rhythm sticks on the floor in front of them. Encourage each child to place their hands behind their backs. Sit down in the circle with them with the rhythm cards nearby.

Show each card to the children and show the children how to “read” that card with their rhythm sticks. Demonstrate each card. Then, encourage the children to pick up their sticks. Hold up the cards one at a time as they children follow the pattern. Explain that as you lower each card, they are to lower their sticks to the floor in front of them until you hold up the next card. Once you’ve completed all four cards, shuffle and hold them up again, one at a time. Repeat as time and interest allow.

A F T E R T H E A C T I V I T Y: Collect the cards and rhythm sticks for clean-up. W H AT Y O U S AY:

B E F O R E T H E A C T I V I T Y: “Friends, have you played rhythm sticks before? (Pause.) This will be SO fun! Let’s head over to the activity area. Everyone sit down behind a set of rhythm sticks with your hands behind your back. Where should your hands be? (Pause.) Exactly! I want to show you what we’ll do before we pick up our rhythm sticks! I have a plan for us to follow.”

D U R I N G T H E A C T I V I T Y: “I have a set of rhythm cards or us to follow. Let me show you each one!

(Hold up the Steady Beat card.) “This card is our steady beat card. Let me show you. (Demonstrate playing a steady beat.)

(Hold up the Floor Tap card.) “This card is our floor tap card. Let me show you. (Demonstrate tapping the floor eight times.)

(Hold up the Tap Overhead card.) “This card is our tap overhead card. Let me show you. (Demonstrate tapping four times overhead.)

(Hold up the Lap Tap card.) “This card is our lap tap card. Let me show you.” (Demonstrate lightly tapping your legs for four counts.)

(Lead children in tapping to the different cards.)

MADE TO IMAGINE

an activity that lets preschoolers pretend, imagine, and role play to

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B I B L E S T O R Y

M E M O R Y V E R S E

K E Y Q U E S T I O N

Who can trust God?

B O T T O M L I N E

I can trust God.

B A S I C T R U T H

God loves me.

A F T E R T H E A C T I V I T Y: “Let’s set our rhythm sticks on the floor. That was fun. You followed the plan exactly as shown on the cards. Today, in our Bible story, we’ll see that God has a plan and we can trust Him! Let’s go!”

T R A N S I T I O N : Move to Worship and Story by clapping different patterns for the children to follow.

MADE TO IMAGINE

an activity that lets preschoolers pretend, imagine, and role play to

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B I B L E S T O R Y

M E M O R Y V E R S E

K E Y Q U E S T I O N

Who can trust God?

B O T T O M L I N E

I can trust God.

B A S I C T R U T H

God loves me.

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M A D E T O M O V E

an activity that uses a preschooler’s natural desire to move

to help them learn

CREATING A SAFE PLACE TO CONNECT 25 MINUTES

1. MEMORY VERSE MOTIONS PLAN

[ H E A R F R O M G O D | M E M O R Y V E R S E R E V I E W ]

W H AT Y O U N E E D : “2106_MV_HandMotions” PDF from the Prelude folder of your curriculum and cardstock W H AT Y O U D O :

B E F O R E T H E A C T I V I T Y: Print “2106_MV_HandMotions” PDF on cardstock and cut out, one set per activity.

D U R I N G T H E A C T I V I T Y: Gather the children in your activity area. Hold up the motions cards in order as you lead the children to say the verse with the motions. Repeat several times.

A F T E R T H E A C T I V I T Y: Set motions cards aside for clean-up. W H AT Y O U S AY:

B E F O R E T H E A C T I V I T Y: “Friends, gather here with me and let’s say our memory verse together! I have a plan for us to follow. It shows us the motions to help us remember our verse!”

D U R I N G T H E A C T I V I T Y: “Let’s say it together.

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B I B L E S T O R Y

M E M O R Y V E R S E

K E Y Q U E S T I O N

Who can trust God?

B O T T O M L I N E

I can trust God.

B A S I C T R U T H

God loves me.

M A D E T O C R E AT E

an activity that allows preschoolers to review the Bible story, bottom line,

or memory verse by creating a craft to take home

2. TIME TO MARCH

[ TA L K A B O U T G O D | B I B L E S T O R Y R E V I E W ]

W H AT Y O U N E E D : Building blocks W H AT Y O U D O :

D U R I N G T H E A C T I V I T Y: Encourage the children to help you stack blocks on a table. When the blocks are high enough to topple over, lead the children in marching around the table seven times. On the seventh time, tell the children to blow their hand horns as you tap the table with the side of your leg to make the blocks fall down. Restack the blocks and do it again!

A F T E R T H E A C T I V I T Y: Talk about how we can trust God’s plan because His plan is always best.

B E F O R E T H E A C T I V I T Y: “Hi, friends! We heard a story about a man named Joshua and God’s amazing plan.”

D U R I N G T H E A C T I V I T Y: “In our Bible story, God told Joshua to march around the wall of Jericho instead of fighting like soldiers usually did. Joshua trusted God and did what He told him to do. Help me stand these blocks then we can pretend to follow Joshua around the wall. (Stack the blocks together.)

“Good job! We can pretend this table is Jericho. Follow me. We have to march around seven times! (Count each time you march around the table.) One, two . . . SEVEN! Blow your hand horns like this! Now, yell!

(Demonstrate blowing a hand horn then tap the table with the side of your leg, making the blocks fall.)

“And the wall fell down! Joshua trusted God and did what He said then God made the wall around Jericho fall! Let’s do that again!” (Repeat the activity a few times.)

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B I B L E S T O R Y

M E M O R Y V E R S E

K E Y Q U E S T I O N

Who can trust God?

B O T T O M L I N E

I can trust God.

B A S I C T R U T H

God loves me.

M A D E T O T H I N K

an advanced activity specifically designed for older preschoolers

3. WALL BUILDING

[ L I V E F O R G O D | A P P L I C AT I O N A C T I V I T Y ]

**Be sure to list the items you will be using today on the “Allergy Alert Poster” and post it at the door to your room. W H AT Y O U N E E D : “Allergy Alert Poster,” cardstock, plastic tablecloth, box of sugar cubes, and wipes or a sink for cleaning hands

B E F O R E T H E A C T I V I T Y: Copy “Allergy Alert Poster” on cardstock and hang on the door. Cover the table with the tablecloth. Set the sugar cubes on the table.

D U R I N G T H E A C T I V I T Y: Encourage the children to work together to build the tallest wall they can out of sugar cubes. Then, once the wall is built, they can knock it down! Repeat if time allows.

A F T E R T H E A C T I V I T Y: Pick up the ends of the tablecloth and fold toward the center, so the sugar cubes are inside the tablecloth and discard. Encourage children to use the wipes or wash their hands in the sink.

B E F O R E T H E A C T I V I T Y: “Friends, in our Bible story today, what fell down? (Pause.) Yes, a great big wall! Joshua followed the plan that God told him. Let’s stack these cubes to build our own wall as high as we can!”

D U R I N G T H E A C T I V I T Y: “This wall is SO tall! Almost done. Keep building! “Wow! Great job, friends! When Joshua followed God’s plan, what happened? (Pause.) Yes, the wall fell down. Are you ready to knock down our wall? Careful! Let’s make sure everything stays on the table.”

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B I B L E S T O R Y

M E M O R Y V E R S E

K E Y Q U E S T I O N

Who can trust God?

B O T T O M L I N E

I can trust God.

B A S I C T R U T H

God loves me.

M A D E T O M O V E

an activity that uses a preschooler’s natural desire to move

to help them learn

4. SEVEN CIRCLES

W H AT Y O U N E E D : Floor tape, construction paper, scissors, and a marker

B E F O R E T H E A C T I V I T Y: Cut full-sized circles from the construction paper. Be sure to use assorted colors if possible. You need seven circles. Write a number, #1–#7 on each circle. Each circle should have only one number on it. Tape the circles in numerical order on the floor about a foot apart in a zig-zag pathway.

D U R I N G T H E A C T I V I T Y: Ask the children to first hop from circle to circle, counting as they hop. When they hop on the first circle they will say, “One” and so on to the number seven. Then ask the children to repeat the activity with the crab walk instead of hopping. Repeat several more times with walking on tippy-toes, crawling, and the frog jump.

B E F O R E T H E A C T I V I T Y: “I have a plan!”

D U R I N G T H E A C T I V I T Y: “My plan is to hop on these circles. Let’s count them (Walk and point as you count.) One, two, three, four, five, six, and seven! There are seven circles! Let’s count while we hop! (Do activity.) Way to go! Now let’s do it again, but this time we can go to each circle while doing the crab walk!” (Continue and finish activity.)

A F T E R T H E A C T I V I T Y: “You are so good a counting! I love that you followed my plan! God has a plan for all of us, too. We can trust Him and follow His plan!

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B I B L E S T O R Y

M E M O R Y V E R S E

K E Y Q U E S T I O N

Who can trust God?

B O T T O M L I N E

I can trust God.

B A S I C T R U T H

God loves me.

M A D E T O C R E AT E

an activity that allows preschoolers to review the Bible story, bottom line,

or memory verse by creating a craft to take home

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5. AROUND THE JERICHO WALL

W H AT Y O U N E E D : “Jericho Wall” and “God’s Army” Activity Pages; white cardstock; dark-colored cardstock; yarn; rectangular sponges; brown washable inkpad; masking tape; hole punch; drinking straws; scissors; glue sticks; and a permanent marker

B E F O R E T H E A C T I V I T Y: Copy “Jericho Wall” on white cardstock and cut, one per child. Copy “God’s Army” on cardstock and cut, one per child. Cut sponges into 1½ to 2-inch rectangles, one per child. Punch one hole on either side of the dark cardstock, about two to three inches from the bottom. Cut yarn into 14-inch lengths, one per child. Cut straws into 2-inch pieces, one per child. String the yarn through the one piece of straw. Put one end of the yarn through each hole on the dark cardstock with the yarn and straw on the front side of the paper. Tie the yarn in the back.

D U R I N G T H E A C T I V I T Y: Have children push their sponge into the inkpad then stamp their “Jericho Wall.” Leader folds tabs in and have children run glue stick over the tabs. Help children glue their wall to the dark cardstock. Help children tape their “God’s Army” to the straw. Show children how to move Joshua and the army back and forth.

A F T E R T H E A C T I V I T Y: Review the Bible story and have children move Joshua and the army seven times.

B E F O R E T H E A C T I V I T Y: “Today, we heard a Bible story about Joshua and the battle of Jericho. I have a super-cool craft for us to make to help us remember the story.”

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“They marched around the wall six days in row. On the seventh day, God told Joshua to march around the wall seven times. When Joshua said, ‘Go,’ they gave a loud shout. Move your army back and forth, and let’s count to seven. One. (Pause.) Two. (Pause.) Three. (Pause.) Four. (Pause.) Five. (Pause.) Six. (Pause.) Seven. (Pause.) Everyone, give a shout. (Pause.) And the wall came crumbling down! They won! God is amazing! Sometimes, we won’t

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B I B L E S T O R Y

M E M O R Y V E R S E

K E Y Q U E S T I O N

Who can trust God?

B O T T O M L I N E

I can trust God.

B A S I C T R U T H

God loves me.

MADE TO REFLECT

an activity that encourages personal application and prayer

6. JOURNAL AND PRAYER

[ P R AY T O G O D | P R AY E R A C T I V I T Y ]

W H AT Y O U N E E D : Paperclipped “Memory Verse Card” in your Bible at Psalm 56:11, journal, and a fun-shaped pen S M A L L G R O U P L E A D E R ( S G L ) : “It’s Small Group time! Today, we’ll march to our small group spot. Get behind me and march, march, march! (March as you lead the children to your small group spot.)

“And stop! Now, let’s sit down and talk about today’s Bible story. One, two, three, sit down with me! (Open the Bible and lay it in front of the children.) Our Bible story, today, was about people who had to do a lot of marching around a very big wall. Do you remember how God told Joshua to march his soldiers around the wall of Jericho? What happened? (Pause.) Yes! Joshua did what God said, because he trusted God’s plan, and the wall fell down!

“We can trust God’s plan, too. The new Bible verse we’re learning will help us remember to trust God and not be afraid to do what God says. It says . . . (Turn the pages of your Bible to the Memory Verse Card.)

“‘I trust in God. I am not afraid,’ Psalm 56:11. (Close Bible and lay it down.) “Let’s stand up and say that Bible verse together with the motions. Just say what I say and do what I do.”

C H I L D R E N A N D S G L : “‘I (point thumbs to chest) trust in God (point up). I am not afraid (cross hands back and forth and shake head),’ Psalm 56:11.” (Open hands like a book.)

(Repeat the verse with motions a few times.)

S G L : “Yay, you sound great! I hope you always remember that you can trust God. Who can trust God?”

C H I L D R E N A N D S G L : “I can trust God!”

S G L : “Again! Who can trust God?”

C H I L D R E N A N D S G L : “I can trust God!”

S G L : “Yay! I can trust God!

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whatever you want to be. When I say your name, tell me what you plan to be when you grow up, and I will write it in our prayer journal. Get ready and listen for your name!

(Say each child’s name and write down what they say. Remember to print the names so the children can recognize their names and the letters.)

“I love this list! It’s great to make plans, but we must always remember to trust that God’s plan is best, right? Right! Ok, let’s pray. Would anyone like to pray before I pray?”

(Give each child who wants to pray the opportunity to do so.)

PRAYER

S G L : “Dear God, thank You for letting us dream of what we can grow up and be one day. I think it’s wonderful that [child’s name] wants to be a [occupation they listed] and [child’s name] wants to be a [occupation they listed]. (Repeat with each child and what they want to be.) I pray that as they grow up, they will plan and dream and choose to trust that Your plan is best. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

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G E T T I N G R E A D Y

H E R E ’ S E V E R Y T H I N G Y O U N E E D T O K N O W T O G E T R E A D Y F O R T H I S W E E K 14

S O C I A L : P R O V I D I N G T I M E F O R

F U N I N T E R A C T I O N ( 1 5 M I N U T E S )

Activities that encourage preschoolers to enter the classroom and begin engaging with peers and Small Group Leaders by providing age appropriate and hands on fun while introducing new concepts they will hear in the day’s Bible story.

Prepare to offer one or more of the following activities as Your 3-, 4-, or 5-year-olds arrive. Let one or two teachers lead activities in different areas of the room while another teacher greets parents and kids at the door.

1. MARCHING MUSIC

Made to Move: An activity that uses a preschooler’s natural desire to move to help them learn

W H AT Y O U N E E D :

• Paper towel or wrapping paper tube

• Music Player

• Monthly song, “Jesus No Matter What” available in monthly files

• Option: Decorate the tube as a marching staff with stickers, pom poms, streamers, sequins, etc., if desired.

2. FOLLOW THE PLAN

Made to Play: An activity that encourages preschoolers to follow guidelines while having fun and learning new concepts

• Set of pattern blocks

• “Pattern Block Boats” Activity Page

• Cardstock W H AT Y O U D O :

• Copy “Pattern Block Boats” on cardstock, one pattern per child.

3. RHYTHM STICK PLAYING

Made to Imagine: An activity that lets preschoolers pretend, imagine, and role play to enhance their learning

• “Rhythm Stick Cards” Activity Pages

• Cardstock

• Rhythm sticks or small dowel rods, two per child W H AT Y O U D O :

• Copy “Rhythm Stick Cards” on cardstock, one set per activity.

G R O U P S : C R E A T I N G A S A F E P L A C E

T O C O N N E C T ( 2 5 M I N U T E S )

Create a safe place to connect through activities that are written to reach every learning style while reinforcing the Bottom Line that was introduced during the Bible Story and applying it to real life experiences. In addition, these activities provide preschoolers with an opportunity to build relationships with their Small Group Leader.

Offer as many of the following activities as your time, facilities, resources, and leadership allow. You may want to lead one activity at a time. Or, offer two activities at once and allow half the kids to participate in each. Then switch groups and repeat the activities.

1. MEMORY VERSE MOTIONS PLAN

[ H E A R F R O M G O D | M E M O R Y V E R S E R E V I E W ]

• “MV Motions” PDF from the Prelude folder

• Cardstock W H AT Y O U D O :

• Copy “MV Motions” PDF on cardstock, one set per activity.

2. TIME TO MARCH

[ TA L K A B O U T G O D | B I B L E S T O R Y R E V I E W ]

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G E T T I N G R E A D Y

H E R E ’ S E V E R Y T H I N G Y O U N E E D T O K N O W T O G E T R E A D Y F O R T H I S W E E K

3. WALL BUILDING

Made to Think: An advanced activity specifically designed for older preschoolers

• “Allergy Alert Poster”

• Cardstock

• Plastic tablecloth

• Box of sugar cubes

• Wipes or access to a sink for cleaning hands W H AT Y O U D O :

• Cover the table with the plastic tablecloth.

• Set the sugar cubes on the table.

4. SEVEN CIRCLES

• Floor tape

• Construction paper in various colors, seven pieces

• Scissors

• Marker W H AT Y O U D O :

• Cut seven full-sized circles from the construction paper. Be sure to use assorted colors if possible.

• Write a number #1–#7 on each circle.

• Tape the circles in numerical order on the floor about a foot apart in a zig-zag pathway.

5. AROUND THE JERICHO WALL

Made to Create: an activity that explores spiritual ideas through the process of drawing, building, and designing

• “Jericho Wall” Activity Page

• Masking tape • Hole punch • Drinking straws • Scissors • Glue sticks • Permanent marker W H AT Y O U D O :

• Copy “Jericho Wall” on white cardstock and cut, one per child.

• Copy “God’s Army” on cardstock and cut out, one per child.

• Cut sponges into 1½ to 2-inch rectangles, one per child.

• Punch one hole on either side of the dark cardstock, about two to three inches from the bottom.

• Cut yarn into 14-inch lengths, one per child.

• Cut straws into 2-inch lengths, one per child.

• String the yarn through the straw.

• Put one end of the yarn through each hole on the dark cardstock with the yarn and straw on the front side of the paper.

6. JOURNAL AND PRAYER

[ P R AY T O G O D | P R AY E R A C T I V I T Y ]

Made to Reflect: An activity that encourages personal application and prayer

• Paperclipped “Memory Verse Card” in your Bible at Psalm 56:11

• Journal, one per small group

• Fun-shaped pen, one per small group

H O M E : P R O M P T I N G A C T I O N

B E Y O N D T H E E X P E R I E N C E

• Make copies on cardstock or email this week’s Parent Cue card.

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G E T T I N G R E A D Y

H E R E ’ S E V E R Y T H I N G Y O U N E E D T O K N O W T O G E T R E A D Y F O R T H I S W E E K

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