the god - upper room books | upper room books

The

We Can Know

GOD

Rob Fuquay

Exploring the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus

C H I L D R E N ’ S S E S S I O N G U I D E

The

We Can Know

GODExploring the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus

HEATHER HARRISS

C H I L D R E N ’ S S E S S I O N G U I D E

The God We Can Know: Exploring the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus

Children’s Session Guide

© 2014 Upper Room Books. All rights reserved.

Upper Room®, Upper Room Books®, and design logos are trademarks owned by The Upper Room®, a ministry of GBOD®, Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Upper Room Books website: books.upperroom.org

Cover design: Marc Whitaker / MTWdesign

Interior typesetting and design: PerfecType, Nashville, TN

Cover photos: Jonathan Woon (sheep, grapes) Shutterstock.com (bread)

At the time of publication all websites referenced in this book were valid. However, due to the fluid nature of the internet some addresses may have changed, or the content may no longer be relevant.

Scripture quotations not otherwise identified are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by per-mission. All rights reserved.

See www.TheGodWeCanKnow.com for accompanying youth and adult guides and other supporting materials for this worship and study series.

PDF #32

CONTENTS

Introduction 4

Supply Lists 7

Week 1. Knowing the Great “I AM” 12

Week 2. “I Am the Bread of Life”: Knowing God’s Satisfaction 17

Week 3. “I Am the Light of the World”: Knowing God’s Guidance 21

Week 4. “I Am the Good Shepherd”: Knowing God’s Care 25

Week 5. “I Am the True Vine”: Knowing God’s Power 29

Week 6. “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”: Knowing God’s Way 33

Week 7. “I Am the Resurrection and the Life”: Knowing God’s Possibilities 37

4

INTRODUCTION

This children’s session guide is part of a seven-session worship and study series called The God We Can Know: Exploring the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus. This guide provides instructions for seven weekly sessions

for children ages six through twelve. Rob Fuquay’s worship and study series takes participants to the Holy Land to discover deeper meanings of Jesus’ “I Am” statements. The DVD includes seven brief videos featur-ing Fuquay’s travels to the places Jesus lived out his ministry. Looking closely at Jesus’ life helps us more fully see and experience the God we can know.

We will not be using the DVD in the children’s study, but we pick up this travel theme and journey in our imaginations to the places Jesus walked. As you lead this study, you will be the tour guide, providing each child with a Passport Journal to explore and learn more about Jesus and how he continues to call each of us to live as his disciple today.

Each session begins with tour guides (Leaders) welcoming the travelers to Base Camp. Base Camp is the gathering place where the children will receive instructions to prepare them to travel to their destinations for this session. A tour guide will share the Bible story and issue a Passport Journal to the travelers so they can begin their journey. A tour guide will take a photograph of each child and print it out for the Passport photo. (If you are unable to do this, children may choose to draw their Passport photo.)

The Travel Sites are six centers that the children can explore at their own pace—packing up and putting the site back in order before they travel to the next site.

As you plan for this Bible study, think about the space you have and how best to utilize it for these les-sons. Consider where the whole group could gather together, and envision the Travel Sites set up through-out the room or in separate rooms if your group is large.

Set up your centers, or Travel Sites, depending on the number of children you expect. For example, if you are planning for 15 children, set up each of the sites so that three to four children could be there at a time. Setting up this way allows the children to move through the sites at their own pace; so it is fine if they only go to one or two sites, or if they go to all of them.

Introduction 5

Instruct the children to clean up when they are ready to travel to another site, so it is ready for the next traveler. If a site is at full capacity, the traveler will journey to a site that has space for another participant.

We recommend ordering enough copies of Pockets for each child in your sessions. Pockets® is a 48-page devotional magazine for children ages 6–12, published by The Upper Room. Pockets is designed for the personal use of children to help them grow in their relationship with God and will support the themes of this study. If you are using this study during the 2015 Lenten season, you will find a number of features that directly relate to The God We Can Know; however, any issue of Pockets will be beneficial for the children to use at home. Additional copies of the magazine will work well in the Pray and Reflect Travel Site. See the ad at the back of this guide for ordering instructions.

Using This Resource

Each session is planned for 45 minutes; however the itinerary is easily adapted to less time or more time. We have included additional activities for extended sessions. Be sure you have at least one other adult helper in your room.

You can download signs for each of the Travel Sites at www.TheGodWeCanKnow.com. There are six Travel Sites: Passport Office, Travel Agency, Pray and Reflect, Souvenir Shop, Scenic Overlook, and Snack Shop. Basic instructions for each Travel Site are also provided on the website. Based on the session’s theme, the instructions are to be printed and placed at the Travel Sites each week. The Base Camp space can also be used as the Pray and Reflect site since the altar is already located here.

Preparation

Please read through all the supply lists well before beginning the children’s study. Most supplies are readily available at church or your home, but a few will require a trip to the store or placing an online order.

Each week, schedule time to familiarize yourself with the Travel Instructions and the Bible Story. As you read, imagine you are traveling with Jesus and the disciples. Consider making lesson preparation your time of devotion during the week. As you enter into the story, you will be better able to communicate it to the children. When you share with the children, they will feel as if they are there too!

Suggestion for Room Arrangement

Base CampTravel Sites

The God We Can Know6

Itinerary each week

Gather at Base CampOpening PrayerTravel Instructions (for this session’s trip)Bible StoryIssue Passport JournalsVisit the Travel SitesMeet Back at Base CampClosing PrayerLights Out

7

SUPPLY LISTS

Supply List for Base Camp

Small bench or tableBible (We’ll refer to maps in the back of the Common English Deep Blue Kids Bible )CandleMatches or a lighterAtlas or map of Israel (See www.bibleatlas.org)Suggestion: CEB Bible Map Guide ( http://bit.ly/1plOAXm)Rug or blanket for children to sit onSymbols or pictures for each of the “I Am” statements (bread, cross, sheep or gate, candle, vine, and an arrow or small map) Small suitcase to hold these itemsA composition book for each child to serve as the Passport JournalSecond suitcase to hold Passport JournalsCamera to take a photograph of each childPrinter to print out photos

Create Base Camp by placing a carpet or blanket on the floor and using the table or small bench as an altar. Place the cross, the Bible, and a candle on the table. Set the two suitcases near the altar: a small suit-case to hold the items you are using to represent the “I Am” statements and a suitcase to hold the Passport Journals. There are lots of different ways to add to the traveling theme: maps and travel posters on the wall, a globe, photos from different parts of the world.

Passport Journal

Wireless composition notebook Passport Journal Cover page (Download at www.TheGodWeCanKnow.com)


The Passport Journal is both a travel diary and a journal to capture feelings and insights as the travel-ers encounter The God We Can Know. It is a place for creativity, for sketches and drawings, doodling and prayers. Collect the Passport Journals at the end of each session by having the children pack them back in the suitcase.

General Supply List for Travel Sites

Travel Sites

Passport OfficeTravel AgencyPray and ReflectSouvenir ShopScenic OverlookSnack Shop

The Travel Sites start with a table and chairs. Read though the supplies for each center and set up as best suits your room. A simple setup allows for the child’s imagination to take the lead. You will need these supplies for all sessions:

ScissorsGlue sticksLiquid glueColored pencilsMarkersCrayonsMaps that can be cut upPassport Stamps (Download at www.TheGodWeCanKnow.com)Camera and printer, if possibleSmall platesNapkinsSigns for each site (Download at www.TheGodWeCanKnow.com)Instructions for each site (Download at www.TheGodWeCanKnow.com) Copies of Pockets for use in the Pray and Reflect site and to give to each child at the end of the first sessionThe “I Am” saying for each week written out and placed in the Passport StationIllustrated Bibles

Supply Lists 9

Special Items for Specific Sessions

SESSION 1

Red, orange, yellow, brown, and green tissue paperCopies of map 2 from Common English Deep Blue Kids Bible (or from www.bibleatlas.org/full/midian.htm)A handheld mirror for however many travelers can visit this site at a time.Photos of the Holy Land from www.TheGodWeCanKnow.com Grapes, cheese sticks, and crackers

Extended Session: You will use the symbols you have gathered for each of the “I Am” statements (bread, cross, sheep or gate, candle, vine, and an arrow or small map) and the small suitcase you are using to hold these items

SESSION 2

Copies of map that includes the Sea of Galilee An empty matchbox (or some sort of very small box) for each child (a pack of 30 from Amazon.com is $4.99. http://amzn.to/QZZfGy)GlitterSequinsSmall scraps of paperReady made pizza dough, bowl, flour, round cookie cutter (or plastic cup), parchment paper, Play-DohM&Ms, goldfish, and pretzelsSmall snack-size plastic bagsBowls to hold snacksSmall cups to use as scoops

Extended Session: Make arrangements to deliver “Enough” trail mix to another group. This might be to the preschoolers in childcare, the youth, or some of the adults. If your church hosts a feeding program of some sort, the trail mix could also be given to people participating in that program.If you decide to bake bread, this site has many good suggestions and needed supplies:http://bit.ly/1gZZp61


SESSION 3

Play-Doh or modeling clayVotive candlesMason jarsMaps to cutSheets, blankets to make a sukkahGlow sticks or flashlightsMini-graham crackers, mini marshmallows, chocolate chipsBowls to hold snacksSmall cups to use as scoopsCups or plates

Extended Session: This site provides helpful information on building a sukkah. To do this with your group will require advance planning and preparation. http://abt.cm/10YiplTPinecones Peanut butter or a shortening product like CriscoBirdseedYarn or ribbon

SESSION 4

Fluffy yarn cut in 3-foot piecesBlack craft foam cut in shape of sheepWiggly eyesGreen construction paperPopsicle sticksCotton ballsFruit, cheese, and crackersSmall platesNapkins

Extended Session:Hula hoop

SESSION 5

Photo of vineyard (download at www.TheGodWeCanKnow.com) to use in the Travel Instructions and in the Scenic Overlook site

Green chenille stems or pipe cleanersPurple beadsSmall cups

Supply Lists 11

DirtPotato vine seedsGrapes, cheese sticks, crackersPlatesNapkins

Extended Session:Large piece of paperStamp pad with green inkStamp pad with purple inkA flower bed or landscaping at your church that needs tending

SESSION 6

Copies of the Labyrinth PDF (go to www.labyrinthsociety.org, click on Resources, then click Downloads, then on Chartres Labyrinth Drawing to download)

Lego bricksGraph paperFruit, cheese, and crackers

Extended Session:Maps cut into 4- x 1-inch strips Stapler, tape, or glue to make loops of paper chain

SESSION 7

Watercolor paintsCups of waterPaintbrushesCoffee filtersPipe cleaners or chenille stemsFruit, cheese, and crackers

Extended Session:Plastic eggsThe “I Am” statements on small slips of paper to put in the eggs

12

lntroductory Session

Objectives:

Children will Hear today’s scripture—Exodus 3:1-14.Discover that God speaks to us in surprising ways.Learn that God is always seeking us because God loves us.Explore the Travel Sites.

Gather at Base Camp (15 MINUTES)

Welcome children as they arrive, and invite them to take a seat at Base Camp. If you are able, have one of the leaders take a photograph of each child and print out a copy. (If you are unable to do this, children will have the chance to draw their Passport photo.)

SESSION 1

Knowing the Great “l Am”

Session 1 Knowing the Great “I Am” 13

Opening Prayer

Dear God,We are thankful you are the God we can know.You are with us hereAnd everywhere we go.We pray in Jesus’ name.Amen.

Travel Instructions

Say: Have you ever taken a trip? Where did you go? What did you pack? What did you bring home? Have you ever taken a trip to another country? Do you know what you have to get before you can travel to another country? A Passport! Your Passport has information about you: a picture of you, your address, and other information. When you arrive at the new place, you receive a stamp in your Passport, showing that you have been there. Your Passport tells a story about your travels. For this Bible study, we are going to travel in our imaginations and we will need a Passport Journal to take this trip. Each session we’ll visit different Travel Sites and add stamps and memories to our Passports.

This session we are going to travel to Midian to visit with a young sheepherder named Moses. Use a map, atlas, or globe to show the children where Midian is located. If you are using the Common Eng-

lish Deep Blue Kids Bible, it is Map 2. Say: When you enter a new country with your Passport, you receive a stamp in it to show you have been

there. We are going to put stamps of the different places we go in our Passports. We’ll add pictures of the adventures we experience, get a few souvenirs, and make notes of new sights that we see. It is going to be great!

Each week, we’ll begin right here; so this is our Base Camp. We’ll meet here to get instructions for our travel. When you are traveling, directions are very important!

Bible Story

Say: So let’s get started. Our Bible story is from the book of Exodus 3:1-14. It’s right here in the Old Testament.

Open Bible to passage.Say: So we are here in Midian with Moses. Again, show Map 2 from Common English Deep Blue Kids Bible, and point out Midian.Say: Moses was tending sheep. The land was dry and rocky. He was walking around, keeping an eye on

his sheep, when all of a sudden he saw something he could not believe! In front of him a bush was on fire. But the fire was not burning up the bush. He stood staring at this

amazing sight, and then things got even stranger.


Moses heard a voice, and it was God! God was talking to Moses out of the burning bush! Does anyone know what God told Moses to do? God said to Moses, “I am going to send you to Egypt, to free my people from Pharaoh and to bring them out of Egypt and to the Promised Land.”

Show how far Egypt is from Midian on the map.Now, Moses had no idea how he could possibly do this. He said to God, “Who shall I tell them has sent me to do this when they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ What should I tell them?” Do you know what God said to Moses? God said, “Say to them, ‘I am who I am, thus shall you say to the Israelites,’ “I am” has sent me to you.’”What a surprise! God spoke to Moses from a burning bush. And when Moses asked, “What should I call

you?” what did God tell him to say? That’s right, God said, “I Am!” So we are going to be thinking about this as we visit our Travel Sites today.

I am your tour guide, and now I am going to issue you your Passport Journals. Keep this Passport Jour-nal with you as you travel from site to site. You will make things to add to your journal. Let me give you a tour of the sites, and then you can begin your travels. I’ll show you each one, and give you directions, then you can choose which site you would like to visit first. Travel through at your own pace; you don’t need to go to each one today. When you are finished at a site, pack it back up the way you found it, so it is ready for the next traveler.

Travel Sites (20 MINUTES)

Passport Office: Glue your photograph into your Passport or draw a picture of yourself. Write your name under your picture.

Cut out a Passport stamp for this session, write “I Am” statement on your stamp, and glue it into your Passport. Color and decorate this page of your Passport.

Supplies: photograph of child, copies of the Passport stamp download, scissors, glue sticks, colored pencils, crayons, markers.

Travel Agency: Study the maps and think about the story for this session. Where did it take place? Imag-ine what the land looked like. What do you see? Draw these things on the map. Glue your map into your Passport.

Supplies: copies of a map with Midian and Egypt on it, colored pencils or crayons, scissors, glue sticks. Atlas, maps, travel books, illustrated Bibles open to the story for this session, the Common English Deep Blue Kids Bible or another Bible that has maps included.

Pray and Reflect: Ask one of the leaders to light the candle. As you look at the candle, take a deep breath in through your nose, as you breathe in say to yourself, “God says.” As you breathe out, say “I Am.” Do this

Session 1 Knowing the Great “I Am” 15

a few times, noticing how you are feeling or what you are thinking. When it feels like your prayer is over, carefully blow out the candle. You can write about your prayer, doodle, or draw a picture in your Passport.

Supplies: Base Camp is a good place for this stop. Candle, lighter or matches on small table. A leader close by to light the candle and monitor as needed. Copies of Pockets magazine to read.

Souvenir Shop: Use the tissue paper and glue sticks to create a burning bush in your Passport JournalSupplies: brown, green, red, yellow, and orange tissue paper; scissors, glue sticks.

Scenic Overlook: Look at your reflection in the mirror. In your Passport write positive words that describe you, beginning each with, “I am. . . .” Draw a quick picture of yourself in your Passport, and write around your portrait: God Loves Me.

Supplies: handheld mirrors, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, and markers.

Snack Shop: grapes, cheese sticks, and crackersSupplies: small plates and napkins.

Optional Activity for Extended Session

Looking for God: Use this game to introduce the “I Am” statements. Designate one child to leave the room; while this child waits in the hallway, pick another child to hide one of the symbols for the “I Am” statements (examples: a sheep, bread, a vine, a compass, a candle). Once the item is hidden, invite the child back into the room. As this child searches for the item, the children indicate how close the child is to finding the item by saying “hot” when the child is close and “cold” when the child is not. Once the item is found, the leader says, “Jesus said, “I am __________” and places the item on the altar table in your Base Camp. Keep doing this until each of the items has been found and identified.

Meet Back at Base Camp (10 MINUTES)

Come together as a group.Say: How’s your Passport looking? Anything you’d like to share? Did you have a favorite site? God really

surprised Moses by speaking to him from a burning bush! And Moses was even more surprised when God said, “Tell people, ‘I Am’.”

In the rest of our sessions, we are going to travel to places where Jesus walked. Guess how Jesus intro-duces himself?

Pick up small suitcase and take out symbol or photo at the end of each statement.He says, “I Am!” But he doesn’t stop there, he says, “I am the Bread of Life. I am the Light. I am the Good Shepherd.


I am the Vine and you are the branches. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I am the Resurrection.”I’m so glad we are on this journey together. I wonder how God will surprise us this week?

Closing Prayer

Dear God, Moses was brave and asked for your name.You told him, “I Am,” and you tell us the same.We are thankful you are the God we can know.You are with us here and everywhere we go.Amen.

Lights Out

Pack Passports into suitcase, and pass out copies of Pockets magazine for children to take home (if you have them). Make sure Travel Sites are straight, and say good-bye until the next session!

17

Objectives

Children willHear today’s scripture—John 6:3-14; 35.Learn that Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life.”Discover what it means to believe in Jesus and know that you have enough.Explore the Travel Sites.


Welcome children as they arrive, invite them over to Base Camp, ask about their week. God surprised Moses by speaking to him through a burning bush. Ask the children how God surprised them this week.

Opening Prayer

Dear God,We are thankful you are the God we can know.You are with us here and everywhere we go.We pray in Jesus’ name.Amen.

SESSION 2

“l Am the Bread of Life”: Knowing God’s Satisfaction


Travel Instructions

Say: Where was God in our last session? (A burning bush!)What did God tell Moses his name was? (I Am)Our last session focused on Moses. Now we are going to jump forward 1200 years. Jesus has been born,

and now he is an adult beginning his ministry. He is trying to help people understand who he is. Guess how he introduces himself?

He says, “I Am!” But he doesn’t stop there.Take out each item from the small suitcase as you name and place it on the altar.He says, “I am the Bread of Life; I am the Light; I am the Good Shepherd; I am the True Vine; I am the

Way, the Truth, and the Life; and I am the Resurrection.” This session Jesus is with his disciples, and they have just crossed the Sea of Galilee. Show where this is on a map, if you are using the Common English Deep Blue Kids Bible, Map 3.They are getting ready for some rest on a mountain. But things don’t go as planned. Let me tell you what

happened. Our Bible story for this session is in the Gospel of John 6:3-14; 35.Open Bible.

Bible Story

Say: It was around lunchtime, and Jesus and the disciples are getting ready to sit and rest for a bit. Jesus looks up and sees a big crowd of people headed right toward him and the disciples!

Jesus asks his disciple Philip, “Where should we go to buy lunch for all of these people?”Philip looks with panic at the huge crowd and says, “Jesus, it will take a lot of money to buy lunch for

this many people!” Andrew, another disciple listening to the conversation says, “There is a boy over there who has five loaves

of bread and two fish; maybe he’ll share it with us. I know that is not enough to feed this many people, but it’s a start.”

The disciples begin to ask everyone to sit down on the grassy hillside. There were over 5,000 people! Jesus takes the bread and the fish that the boy had given him, and the crowd grows silent as Jesus bows

his head and says a prayer of thanks to God. Then Jesus passes out the bread and fish. There’s plenty for everybody! There’s even enough left over to fill twelve baskets! Everyone is amazed. It’s a miracle!

The next day when people see Jesus, they don’t ask how he’s doing or thank him or ask him how he could do that; no, they ask him for more to eat.

Jesus shakes his head and says, “No, you have it mixed up. It’s not more food that you want; it is more of God’s love that you crave. Don’t waste your time on a meal that only satisfies you for a little while; instead eat what will fill your life with love.”

Jesus tells them, “I am the Bread of Life; when you believe in me you are filled up with God’s love.”Open the suitcase with their Passport Journals and pass them out.Say: Let me tell you about the Travel Sites for this session. As you are traveling, wonder to yourself, What

did Jesus mean when he said, “I am the Bread of Life”?

Session 2 “I Am the Bread of Life”: Knowing God’s Satisfaction 19


Passport Office: Cut out a Passport stamp for this session and write this session’s, “I Am” statement on your stamp and glue it into your Passport. Color and decorate this page of your Passport.

Supplies: Copies of the Passport stamps, scissors, glue sticks, colored pencils, crayons, markers.

Travel Agency: Study the maps, and think about the story for this session. Where did it take place? Imagine what the land looked like. What did the people see? Draw these things on the map. Glue your map into your Passport Journal.

Supplies: copies of a map of Israel, colored pencils or crayons, scissors, glue sticks. Atlas, maps, travel books, illustrated Bibles open to the story for this session, the Common English Bible, or another Bible that has maps included.

Pray and Reflect: Ask one of the leaders to light the candle. As you look at the candle, take a deep breath in through your nose, as you breathe in say to yourself, “Jesus says,” and as you breathe out say, “I Am the Bread of Life.” Do this a few times, noticing how you are feeling or what you are thinking. When it feels like your prayer is over, carefully blow out the candle. You can write about your prayer, doodle, or draw a picture in your Passport.

Supplies: Base Camp is a good place for this stop. Candle, lighter or matches. A leader close by to light the candle and monitor as needed.

Souvenir Shop: Make an “Enough Box.” Decorate your matchbox. We don’t need to have a lot to have enough. You can write, “Jesus loves me” on a small piece of paper and put it in the matchbox.

Supplies: matchboxes, scissors, glue sticks, scraps of colored paper, markers, glitter, sequins or other small items to decorate the matchbox.

Scenic Overlook: Put some flour on your hands and lift the dough out of the bowl, place it on the parch-ment paper and knead it a few times. As you are kneading, pray to yourself, Jesus is enough. Flatten out the dough and use the cookie cutter to see how many pieces you can get out of this one piece of dough. When you are finished, knead the dough all back into one piece and place back in the bowl. Supplies: ready made pizza dough, bowl, flour, parchment paper, round cookie cutter (or use a plastic cup)You can use Play-Doh instead of pizza dough if this will work better for your age group.

Snack Shop: “Enough” trail mix Make some “Enough” Trail Mix! Make a bag for yourself and a second bag to share with someone else. Supplies: bowls to hold each of the ingredients for the Enough trail mix, M&M candies, pretzels,

cheese crackers shaped like goldfish, snack-size plastic baggies, a bowl to hold the bags made to share.



Deliver the Enough Snack Mix to another group at the church; this might be the preschool-age children or the adult or youth. Or another group that may be meeting at your church and would appreciate this act of hospitality.

Make bread together. This site has numerous recipes for baking bread with children:http://bit.ly/1gZZp61


How’s your Passport looking? Anything you’d like to share? Did you have a favorite site? Why do you think Jesus wants us to know that he is the Bread of Life?

Closing Prayer

Dear God,There are times that can be tough;But because you are the Bread of Life, We will have enough. We are thankful you are the God we can know.You are with us here and everywhere we go.We pray in Jesus’ name.Amen.

Lights Out

Pack Passports into suitcase, make sure Travel Sites are straight, and say good-bye until the next session!

21

Objectives

Children willHear today’s scripture—John 7:2, 14; 8:12Learn that Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World.”Discover that it was hard for people to understand or believe that Jesus was the Son of God.Explore the Travel Sites.


Welcome children as they arrive, invite them over to Base Camp, and ask about their week. Say: Before we pray, let’s unpack a few things, (Pick up the small suitcase with the symbols, take out the items, and place them one by one on the altar as you

name them.)Remember what Jesus said? He said, “I am the Bread of Life; I am the Light; I am the Good Shepherd;

I am the True Vine; I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; and I am the Resurrection.” Let us pray.

SESSION 3

“l Am the Light of the World”: Knowing God’s Guidance


Opening Prayer


Travel Instructions

Did you know that Jewish people have a special holiday that is called the Feast of Booths? During this holiday they build a booth in their backyard and live in it for the week! It is a whole lot of

fun. Families visit with one another and have fun camping out for the week. Even though doing this is a lot of fun, they do this to remember some important things about who God is and how God loves and cares for us.

Do you remember in our first session when God spoke to Moses? Well, God kept on talking to Moses as he led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Moses and the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years!

(Show children Map 2 at the back of the Common English Deep Blue Kids Bible.)The whole time the Israelites were wandering around lost, God provided manna for them. Manna was

like bread, but it fell from the sky and people could eat it and be nourished for their journey. They had enough.

At night, when it was dark and they couldn’t see their way, God provided a pillar of light to guide them. For forty years they wandered, making booths and temporary campsites. Their booths provided shelter, like a tent; and the pillar of light showed them that God was with them, even in the middle of the night.

Finally, the Israelites reached the Promised Land. They were so relieved to finally get there and so thank-ful to God for being faithful to them, that they wanted to be sure they always remembered that God was with them in the wilderness. They decided that for one week every year, they would celebrate by making booths, temporary tents and campsites, to remind them of their journey in the wilderness. They wanted their children to know that God is always with us. God shines a light in the darkness to show us the way.

Guess when our Bible story takes place for this session? During the Feast of Booths! It’s in the Gospel of John 7:2, 14; 8:12. Let’s see what Jesus does.

Open Bible to story.

Bible Story

So Jesus was going into town to celebrate the Feast of Booths, and it was the final night. Show Jerusalem on a map, Map 7 in the Common English Deep Blue Kids BibleAs he walked by all the booths, hearing people laughing, sharing food, and having fun, he remembered

all the years of doing this with his mom and dad, Mary and Joseph. He remembered seeing his aunts and uncles, cousins and friends, and all the fun they had together remembering that God is faithful and that

Session 3 “I Am the Light of the World”: Knowing God’s Guidance 23

God is with us. As he was remembering these things, he also may have felt some sadness. He knew that there were people who were very angry with him; he knew there were people so angry about the things he was doing that they were plotting to have him arrested and killed. Jesus knew he was the Son of God, but this was hard for other people to understand. Knowing all of this, Jesus walked right up to where they were lighting the torches to remind the Israelites that God is light in the darkness, to remind them of how God had provided a pillar of light to lead the Israelites when they were lost in the wilderness. Jesus stood in front of the torches and proclaimed, “I am the Light of the World!”

As you go into your Travel Sites today, think about Jesus saying, “I am the Light of the World.”


Passport Office: Cut out a Passport stamp for this session, write “I am the Light of the World” on your stamp and glue it into your Passport. Color and decorate this page of your Passport.

Supplies: Copies of the Passport stamp, scissors, glue sticks, colored pencils, crayons, markers.

Travel Agency: Study the maps, and think about the story for this session. Where did it take place? Imagine what the land looked like. What did the people see in the desert or as they crossed into the Promised Land? Draw what you think they saw on the map. Glue your map into your Passport.

Supplies: Copies of a map of Israel, colored pencils or crayons, scissors, glue sticks, Atlas, maps, travel books, illustrated Bibles open to the story for this session, the Common English Deep Blue Kids Bible or another Bible that has maps included.

Pray and Reflect: Ask one of the leaders to light the candle. As you look at the candle, take a deep breath in through your nose, and as you breathe in say to yourself, “Jesus says,” and as you breathe out say, “I am the Light of the World.” Do this a few times, noticing how you are feeling or what you are thinking. When it feels like your prayer is over, carefully blow out the candle. You can write about your prayer, doodle, or draw a picture in your Passport.


Souvenir Shop: Make a candle holder. For younger children: use Play-Doh or modeling clay to make a holder for a votive candle, and put the candle in the holder. For older children: Mason jar, maps, scissors, glue, markers. Step 1—measure and cut the map so that it fits around the Mason jar. Step 2—Fold the map in half and cut out a heart. Step 3—Write, “I am the Light of the World” on the map. Step 4—Wrap the map around the Mason jar and glue it in place. Step 5—Place a votive candle in the jar.

Supplies: For younger children: Play-Doh or clay, votive candles. For older children: Mason jar, maps, scissors, glue, markers, votive candles.


Scenic Overlook: Use the supplies to make a booth. Once you have made your booth, you can sit in it with your glow stick or flashlight. (An example is putting a blanket over a table and gathering under the covered table.)

Supplies: Gather a few sheets and blankets, encourage the children to make a booth using these supplies and their imagination. Glow sticks or flashlights.

Snack Shop: For this session, pretend you are in your booth with your family. You have a campfire, and you are going to make s’mores by roasting a marshmallow and then mashing it between two graham crackers and a chocolate bar. Help yourself to a small scoop of each item to make s’mores snack mix.

Supplies: Mini-graham crackers, mini-marshmallows, chocolate chips, bowls to hold the snack, a scoop in each one, small cups or plates to hold the snack mix.

Activity for Extended Session: This link provides more information about building a sukkah and the Feast of Lights: http://abt.cm/10YiplTAs a group, follow the specifications of building a sukkah. Another activity is to make pinecone bird feeders. Jesus reminds us that he will provide for us what we

need. As you make the bird feeder, talk about the ways that God provides for all of creation.Supplies: Pinecones, peanut butter (if there are allergies, a product like Crisco can be substituted), yarn,

birdseed. Coat the pinecones with the peanut butter and then roll in birdseed. Make a loop with the yarn so the feeder can be hung from a tree.


How’s your Passport looking? Anything you’d like to share? Did you have a favorite site?

Closing Prayer

Dear God,Jesus is the light that guides.His love surrounds us on all sides.We are thankful you are the God we can know.You are with us here and everywhere we go.We pray in Jesus’ name.Amen.

Lights Out


25

Objectives

Children willHear today’s scripture—John 10:1-15Discover that Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd.”Learn God protects us.Explore the Travel Sites.


Welcome children as they arrive, invite them over to Base Camp, ask about their week.Say: Before we pray, let’s unpack a few things, (Pick up the small suitcase with the symbols, take out the items, and place them one by one on the altar as you


I am the True Vine; I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; and I am the Resurrection.” Let us pray,

SESSION 4

“l Am the Good Shepherd”: Knowing God’s Care


Opening Prayer


Travel Instructions

Do you know what happens sometimes when you travel to a new place? You might get lost! Can you remember a time when you got lost? What happened? How did you feel? How did you know when you weren’t lost anymore? What did it feel like when you were found? Our Bible story for this session shows us that when we are lost, Jesus is always searching for us, to find us and to keep us safe.

Our Bible story for this session is in the Gospel of John 10:1-15.Open Bible.

Bible Story

A lot of the people Jesus met worked outside. Some were fishermen, some were carpenters, a lot of them tended sheep. Do you know why sheep need tending? They get lost a lot! A big problem for sheepherders is getting sheep into the sheep pen and then keeping them there. You know what helps? A really good gate. If there is not a good gate, sheep are going to wander out and get lost. You know what else can happen if there is not a good gate? A wolf can get into the pen and kill the sheep. Jesus is still trying to help people understand that he is the God we can know. He tells people, “You know the gate that keeps the sheep from getting lost and the gate that keeps dangerous animals out? I am like that gate. When you believe in me, you know that I will keep you from getting lost. I will keep you safe. I am the gate.”

Jesus also said, “I am the Good Shepherd.” The shepherd protects the sheep, and the sheep even recog-nize his voice! As you go to the Travel Sites today, think about Jesus as the Good Shepherd.


Passport Office: Cut out a Passport stamp for this session, write the “I Am” statement on your stamp, and glue it into your Passport. Color and decorate this page of your Passport.


Travel Agency: Study the maps, and think about the story for this session. Where did it take place? Imagine what the land looked like and where the sheep stayed. What did the people see? Draw these things on the map. Glue your map into your Passport.

Session 4 “I Am the Good Shepherd”: Knowing God’s Care 27

Supplies: Copies of a map of Israel, colored pencils or crayons, scissors, glue sticks. Atlas, maps, travel books, illustrated Bibles open to the story for this session, the Common English Deep Blue Kids Bible, or another Bible that has maps included.

Pray and Reflect: Ask one of the leaders to light the candle. As you look at the candle take a deep breath in through your nose, and as you breathe in say to yourself, “Jesus says,” and as you breathe out say “I am the Good Shepherd.” Do this a few times, noticing how you are feeling or what you are thinking. When it feels like your prayer is over, carefully blow out the candle. You can write about your prayer, doodle, or draw a picture in your Passport.


Souvenir Shop: Make a sheep to remind you that when you are lost, Jesus is already searching to find you. Hold the small sheep shape in your hand, hold the end of the yarn on the sheep with one hand and begin to wrap the yarn around and around the sheep. Now use the glue to give your sheep eyes to see.

Supplies: Black craft foam paper cut into the profile of a sheep, fluffy yarn cut into 3-foot-long pieces, wiggly eyes, glue.

Scenic Overlook: Imagine you are looking out at a green pasture; use the green construction paper and the sticks to make a pen for your sheep. You can glue wiggly eyes on the cotton balls to make your sheep. You can glue your pasture into your Passport Journal.

Supplies: Green construction paper, popsicle sticks, cotton balls, glue, wiggly eyes.

Snack Shop: Sheepherders would carry snacks with them that were easy to eat while they were herding their sheep.

Supplies: Fruit, cheese, crackers.


Play a game together. Stand in a circle holding hands. The hula hoop is looped on the leaders’ arm. Say: See this hula hoop? We’re going to pretend we are the gate and the hula hoop is a sheep. We are going to move the hula hoop/sheep all around the circle, but we are going to hold hands the whole time. The hula hoop/sheep will always be safe in our gate. (The goal is to move the hula hoop around the entire circle never break-ing the chain of hands. Children will have to bend over, squat down and stand on one leg to get the hoop over the head to pass the hoop to the next child.)

Meet at Base Camp (10 MINUTES)



Closing Prayer

Dear God,Jesus tells us he is the Good Shepherd and the gate.He always protects us, for goodness sake.We are thankful you are the God we can know.You are with us here and everywhere we go.We pray in Jesus’ name.Amen.

Lights Out


29

Objectives

Children willHear today’s scripture—John 15:1-8.Discover that Jesus said, “I am the True Vine.”Learn that Jesus helps us to grow in our faith.Explore the Travel Sites.


Welcome children as they arrive, invite them over to Base Camp, and ask about their week.Say: Before we pray, let’s unpack a few things, (Pick up the small suitcase with the symbols, take out the items, and place them one by one on the altar as you



SESSION 5

“l Am the True Vine”: Knowing God’s Power


Opening Prayer


Travel Instructions

This session we are going to travel to a vineyard. What grows in a vineyard? What does it look like? What helps the vines to grow? What grows on vines? What kind of care do you think the vines need? Who do you think tends to the vines? What do you think they do? There were lots of vineyards in the area where Jesus lived. He would have walked in them and met people who tended them. Let’s look on our map; this is an area where grape vines would grow well. Here’s a photo of a beautiful vineyard. (Download from www.TheGodWeCanKnow.com.)

Our Bible story for this session is in the Gospel of John 15:1-8.Open Bible.

Bible Story

Jesus is still trying to get people to understand that he is the God we can know. Since he knows that the people he is talking to know about tending a vineyard, he tells them this: “I am the True Vine, and God is the vine grower. God clears away the branches that aren’t growing any fruit; and the branches that are grow-ing fruit, God carefully prunes to help the branch grow even more fruit. Jesus tells them, “You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Because you have already been cleansed by the word of God, you are ready to grow.”

Jesus says, “Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch can’t grow fruit by itself, you won’t grow in God’s love unless you abide in me.” Then he says again, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit.”

When we abide in Jesus and Jesus abides in us we will grow as disciples and this makes God very happy. Jesus wants us to grow in love. The more we grow in love the more rooted we are in Jesus. When we abide in Jesus, we are with the God we can know.

Think about Jesus as the True Vine as we visit our Travel Sites today.


Passport Office: Cut out a Passport stamp for this session, write the “I Am” statement on your stamp, and glue it into your Passport. Color and decorate this page of your Passport.


Session 5 “I Am the True Vine”: Knowing God’s Power 31

Travel Agency: Study the maps, and think about the story for this session. Where did it take place? Imagine what the land looked like. What did the people see? Draw what you think they saw on the map. Glue your map into your Passport.

Supplies: Copies of a map of Israel, colored pencils or crayons, scissors, glue sticks. Atlas, maps, travel books, illustrated Bibles open to the story for this session, the Common English Deep Blue Kids Bible or another Bible that has maps included.

Pray and Reflect: Ask one of the leaders to light the candle. As you look at the candle take a deep breath in through your nose, and as you breathe in say to yourself, “Jesus says” you breathe out say “I am the True Vine.” Do this a few times, noticing how you are feeling or what you are thinking. When it feels like your prayer is over, carefully blow out the candle. You can write about your prayer, doodle, or draw a picture in your Passport.


Souvenir Shop: Make a bracelet using the green pipe cleaners or chenille stems and the purple beads.Supplies: Green pipe cleaners or chenille stems, purple beads.

Scenic Overlook: Plant the seeds, and as your vine grows, remember how you are growing with Jesus.Supplies: Small cups, garden dirt, seeds for potato vine, picture of a vineyard.

Snack Shop: As people worked in the vineyard, they could snack on grapes. To grow the very best grapes, they would prune away some of the other branches.

Supplies: Grapes, cheese sticks, and crackers.


On a large sheet of paper draw a brown line, and explain to the children that this is the vine. Invite them to add leaves and grapes by using their thumbprints. Have a green stamp pad and a purple stamp pad. Ask one of the children to write, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” If possible, hang this on a wall in your Base Camp. The children can also do this individually in their Passport Journals.

Another activity: Find out if there is a flower bed or landscaping at your church that needs tending to, and as a group go outside and weed the area. You can also see if it is possible to plant some seeds here that the children can continue to tend to as the plants grow.




Closing Prayer

Dear GodJesus tells us he is the vine;Growing with Jesus, we will be just fine.We are thankful you are the God we can know.You are with us here and everywhere we go.We pray in Jesus’ name.Amen.

Lights Out


33

Objectives

Children will:Hear today’s Scripture—John 14:1-7Learn that Jesus said, “I am the Way.”Discover that Jesus is leading us, showing us the way to go.Explore the Travel Sites.


Welcome children as they arrive, invite them over to Base Camp, and ask about their week.Say: Before we pray, let’s unpack a few things, (Pick up the small suitcase with the symbols, take out the items, and place them one by one on the altar as you



SESSION 6

“l Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”:

Knowing God’s Way


Opening Prayer


Travel Instructions

Do you know what is really helpful when you are on a journey? Knowing how to find your way. What do we use to find our way? We can ask for directions, look at a map, use a GPS, read road signs. . . . Let’s pretend for a moment that we are on a hike together. On this hike we are on a mountain trail. When we look up we see tall trees, a big blue sky with large white clouds and when we look down, we see small wildflowers; green leaves; the packed dirt of the trail; curving roots of trees, rocks, and tree stumps. We are not talking while we hike, so we hear all kinds of sounds: there are birds singing to each other, the wind blows and we hear the leaves rustle, our footsteps, a woodpecker knocking on a tree. There are lots of ways we make sure that we are going in the right direction on our hike. We follow the trail and trail signs. We have a compass. We may notice piles of rocks or arrows that tell us where to turn. If our hike turns into a night hike, we could use the stars to find our way! You know what is a really easy way to make sure we are staying on the right path? Follow a great leader, a leader we can trust, a guide who always knows the way that we need to go.

Our Bible story for this session is in the Gospel of John 14:1-7.Open the Bible.

Bible Story

This session the disciples are confused and worried that they are not going to know how to find their way. Jesus tells them, “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. My Father’s house has room to spare. If that weren’t the case, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you? When I go to prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too. You know the way to the place I’m going.”

Thomas, one of the disciples, asked, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you have really known me, you will also know the Father. From now on you know him and have seen him.”

Jesus is telling the disciples that he is leaving them to go and prepare a place for them with God. When the disciples hear this, they feel a little worried and sad. Jesus has been their guide, he has been walking with them, showing them where to go and what to do. He is telling them he is leaving to go and prepare a place for them. Thomas says, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus

Session 6 “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”: Knowing God’s Way 35

answers him, “I am the Way.” As you visit the travel stops, wonder about what it means for us to know that Jesus is preparing a place for us and that Jesus still shows us the way.


Passport Office: Cut out a Passport stamp for this session, write “I Am the Way” on your stamp, and glue it into your Passport. Color and decorate this page of your Passport.

Supplies: Copies of the Passport stamps, scissors, glue sticks, colored pencils, crayons, markers.

Travel Agency: Study the maps, and think about the story for this session. Where did it take place? Imagine what the land looked like. What did the people see? Draw these things on the map. Glue your map into your Passport.


Pray and Reflect: Ask one of the leaders to light the candle. As you look at the candle take a deep breath in through your nose, as you breathe in say to yourself, “Jesus says” and as you breathe out say, “I am the Way.” Do this a few times, noticing how you are feeling or what you are thinking. When it feels like your prayer is over, carefully blow out the candle. You can write about your prayer, doodle, or draw a picture in your Passport.


Souvenir Shop: Jesus tells the disciples he is going to prepare a place for them. If you were preparing a place for Jesus, what would you include? Use the Lego bricks to build something, or use the graph paper to design a place. Glue your graph paper design into your journal.

Supplies: Lego bricks, graph paper, pencils, glue.

Scenic Overlook: Study the labyrinth. Use your finger to trace your way in. When you get to the center, say to yourself, “Jesus, thank you for showing me the way.” Use your finger to trace your way back out. You can cut it out and add to your journal if you like, or draw one of your own.

Supplies: Download from Labyrinth Society website (in supply list for this week), scissors, glue.

Snack Shop: Fruit, cheese, and crackersSupplies: Plates and napkins.



Do a walking prayer with your children. If it is possible, leave the room you are in and go to your sanctuary or chapel. Explain that there are many different ways to pray to God, and one way is in our walking. With each step we take we will be aware of how it feels when our foot touches the floor and when it lifts up; as we step we can say to ourselves, “Jesus is showing me the way.” End your walking prayer facing the cross in your sanctuary or chapel, saying out loud, “Jesus, we thank you for showing us the way. Amen.”

Another activity is to cut strips from maps, make a paper chain with the strips, and hang your paper chain at your Base Camp.



Closing Prayer

Dear God,When we do not know which way to go We can pray to Jesus, the way he will show.We are thankful you are the God we can know.You are with us here and everywhere we go.We pray in Jesus’ name.Amen.

Lights Out


37

Objectives

Children willHear today’s scripture—John 11:17-26.Learn that Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection.”Discover that resurrection means to rise again.Explore the Travel Sites.


Welcome children as they arrive, invite them over to Base Camp, and ask about their week.Say: Before we pray, let’s unpack a few things.(Pick up the small suitcase with the symbols, take out the items, and place them one by one on the altar as you



SESSION 7

“l Am the Resurrection and the Life”: Knowing God’s

Possibilities


Opening Prayer


Travel Instructions

Say: This is our final session together. Can you believe all the stamps and other memories you have in your Passport Journal? You all are great travelers. You have discovered lots of things about God and about how we can live as Jesus’ disciples.

In this Bible story, Jesus does something amazing, something so amazing that even his closest friends had no idea he could do something like this.

Do you know what he does? His friend Lazarus died, and Jesus brings him back to life. Lazarus rises from the dead.

Another word for this is resurrection. This is an amazing miracle. Jesus tells everyone about this so we will believe in God’s power.When Jesus rises from the dead, every living thing is filled with God’s forgiveness and love, and each of

us is a new creation in Jesus Christ. Open Bible to John 11:17-26; show them Bethany on a map.

Bible Story

It has been four days since Jesus’ friend Lazarus died. Jesus knows he’s getting close to his tomb because it smells bad. Jesus is so sad his friend has died. Do you know what he does? Jesus cries. Just like we cry when we are sad, Jesus cries when he is sad. Lazarus’s sister Martha is with Jesus. She says to him, “You are the Lord; even now I know that whatever you ask God, God will give you.”

Jesus looks at Martha and says, “Your brother will rise again.”Martha says, “I know he’ll rise in the resurrection on the last day.”Jesus knows she doesn’t yet understand that God’s plan is happening right now!He tells her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life, whoever believes in me will live, even though they die.

Everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” And then Lazarus walks out of the tomb! Jesus wanted to show us what it means to rise again. When

God resurrected Jesus from the dead, God once and for all showed that each of us will rise again with God.When Jesus died on the cross, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus cry too; they are so very sad. But God raises Jesus from the dead. And because of the resurrection of Jesus, we all have new life in

God. Think about Jesus saying, “I am the Resurrection and the Life,” as we go to the Travel Sites.

Session 7 “I Am the Resurrection and the Life”: Knowing God’s Possibilities 39


Passport Office: Cut out a Passport stamp for this session, write the “I Am” statement on your stamp and glue it into your Passport. Color and decorate this page of your Passport.

Supplies: Copies of the Passport stamps, scissors, glue sticks, colored pencils, crayons, markers

Travel Agency: Study the maps and think about the story for this session. Where did it take place? Imagine what the land looked like. What did the people see? Draw these things on the map. Glue your map into your Passport.


Pray and Reflect: Ask one of the leaders to light the candle. As you look at the candle, take a deep breath in through your nose, and as you breathe in say to yourself, “Jesus says,” and as you breathe out say, “I am the Resurrection.” Do this a few times, noticing how you are feeling or what you are thinking. When it feels like your prayer is over, carefully blow out the candle. You can write about your prayer, doodle, or draw a picture in your Passport.


Souvenir Shop: A caterpillar becoming a butterfly reminds us of becoming a new creation in Christ.

1. Flatten the coffee filter and place it on a plate or newspaper; the paint and water will soak through. 2. Use the watercolors to paint beautiful wings for your butterfly; let it dry.3. Fold the coffee filter accordion style, in about ½-inch pleats, like you are making a fan.4. Twist the chenille stem around the middle of the filter.5. Bend the tips of the chenille stems over about ¼-inch to create the antennae.6. Fan out the butterfly wings.

Supplies: Watercolors, cups of water, paint brushes, round white coffee filters, pipe cleaners, paper plates or newspaper.

Scenic Overlook: Enter into the cave, imagine Jesus saying, “Come out!” and walk out.Supplies: Small pop-up tent with cloth draped over it to look like a cave.

Snack Shop: Fruit, cheese, and crackersSupplies: Small plates, napkins.



On slips of paper, write the different “I Am” statements and put them in the plastic Easter eggs. Have half of the children hide their Easter eggs in the room and the other half look for them, then switch. Discuss together how Easter eggs can be a reminder of resurrection.

Supplies: plastic Easter eggs, slips of paper, pencils, markers.


How’s your Passport looking? Anything you’d like to share? Did you have a favorite site? What is your favor-ite page in your whole Passport Journal? I’m so glad we have been on this journey together.

Closing Prayer

Dear God,Jesus is the resurrection and the life for everything on earth.In Jesus Christ we have new birth.We are thankful you are the God we can know.You are with us here and everywhere we go.We pray in Jesus’ name.Amen.

Lights Out

Your Passport is your souvenir from our travels together. You can continue to add to it by writing prayers and sharing stories from your journey with God. Always remember, Jesus is the God we can know, and he is with us everywhere we go. Make sure Travel Sites are straight, and say good-bye!

Pockets will help you create a place where children enter a world of fun and adventure. Each issue is filled with stories and Bible-based activities that can be easily utilized as children’s ministry resources. With multiple copies of Pockets on hand, you can affordably provide your children with a fun and easy way to connect with God.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SPECIAL GROUP DISCOUNT

57% off THE ANNUAL COVER PRICE!

That’s only $1.50 per copy!

Call 800.972.0433 TODAY and ask for offer A4JT01

pockets.upperroom.org

Order a minimum of 10 copies of each issue (11 issues a year) and have them delivered to the same location.

Additional activities and resources for working with children (The God We Can Know) Content referenced in the Children’s Group Guide is listed below by: title and the page number(s) where it appears, the children’s sessions are designed for ages six through twelve. Deep Blue Kids Bible mentioned on page 7, click the title link to read more about this great new Bible for kids! http://bookstore.upperroom.org/Products/AB32/common-‐english-‐deep-‐blue-‐kids-‐bible.aspx Candle mentioned on page 7, depending on the size of your group you may decide to use a battery operated candle instead. CEB Bible Map Guide page 7, click the title link to read more about this helpful resource. Order #9781609260743 https://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=959471&rank=0&txtSearchQuery=CEB%20Bible%20Map%20Guide Bible Map: Midian page 9 and 13, this is a link to an online map. If you are using an Illustrated Bible show the children the map in the Bible at this Travel site, or help them find it in their individual Bibles. http://bibleatlas.org/midian.htm Bible Map: Sea of Galilee page 9 and 18 http://bibleatlas.org/sea_of_galilee.htm Making Bread with Kids page 9 and 20, click the link for ideas on bread making with children. http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/46496/making-‐bread-‐with-‐kids How to build a Sukkah page 10 and 24, click the title link to read a helpful article that includes instructions for building a sukkah. http://judaism.about.com/od/holidays/a/How-‐To-‐Build-‐A-‐Sukkah-‐Feast-‐of-‐Tabernacles.htm Labyrinth page 11 and 35, click the title link to download the Chartes drawing, make copies for your children. https://zdi1.zd-‐cms.com/cms/res/files/382/ChartresLabyrinth.pdf Read more about The Labyrinth Society here http://labyrinthsociety.org/about-‐tls Flame: Creative Children’s Ministry on the link you’ll find ways to create a finger labyrinth. http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/labyrinths Bible Map: Jerusalem page 22 http://bibleatlas.org/jerusalem.htm Bible Map: Israel page 27, 31, 35, and 39 http://bibleatlas.org/israel.htm Bible Map: Bethany page 38 http://bibleatlas.org/bethany.htm

The

We Can Know

GODExploring the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus

P A S S P O R T J O U R N A L

dtttt

1

dtttt

1

dtttt

1

dtttt

1

dtttt

1dtt

tt

1

dtttt

1

dtttt

1

For use with The God We Can Know Children’s Session Guide in the Passport Office Travel Site. Copyright © 2014 Upper Room Books. Permission granted to make as many copies as necessary.

The God We Can Know Children’s Session Guide Passport Stamps

Week 1 – Travel Sites – Knowing the Great “I Am” Here are the instructions for the six travel site stations for this week. Take a few minutes to cut apart the sections and place at the appropriate travel site. Add your own creativity by gluing each to construction paper or by printing them in color. Depending on the number of children, consider printing a few copies for each travel site.

Passport Office Glue your photograph into your Passport Journal. Or draw a picture of yourself. Write your name under your picture. Cut out a Passport stamp, write “I Am” on your stamp, and glue it into your Passport. Color and decorate your page.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Travel Agent Study the maps and think about the story for this session. Where did it take place? Imagine what the land looked like. What do you see? Draw these things on the map. Glue your map into your Passport.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pray and Reflect Ask one of the leaders to light the candle. As you look at the candle, take a deep breath in through your nose, and as you breathe in say to yourself, “God says.” As you breathe out, say “I Am.” Do this a few times, noticing how you are feeling or what you are thinking. When it feels like your prayer is over, carefully blow out the candle. You can write about your prayer, doodle, or draw a picture in your Passport Journal.

The God We Can Know: Exploring the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus. Children’s Session Guide. ©2014 Upper Room Books. All rights reserved.

Souvenir Shop Use the tissue paper and glue sticks to create a burning bush in your Passport Journal.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Scenic Overlook Look at your reflection in the mirror. In your Passport Journal write positive words that describe you, beginning each with “I am….” Draw a quick picture of yourself in your Passport, and write around your portrait: God Loves Me.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Snack Shop No written instructions are needed. Put out crackers, grapes, and cheese for the children to enjoy a snack.

Week 2 – Travel Sites – “I Am the Bread of Life” Here are the instructions for the six travel site stations for this week. Take a few minutes to cut apart the sections and place at the appropriate travel site. Add your own creativity by gluing each to construction paper or by printing them in color. Depending on the number of children, consider printing a few copies for each travel site. Passport Office Cut out a Passport stamp, write “I Am the Bread of Life.” on your stamp, and glue it into your Passport. Color and decorate your page.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pray and Reflect Ask one of the leaders to light the candle. As you look at the candle, take a deep breath in through your nose, and as you breathe in say to yourself, “Jesus says.” As you breathe out, say “I Am the Bread of Life.” Do this a few times, noticing how you are feeling or what you are thinking. When it feels like your prayer is over, carefully blow out the candle. You can write about your prayer, doodle, or draw a picture in your Passport Journal.


Souvenir Shop Make an “Enough Box.” Decorate your matchbox. We don’t need to have a lot to have enough. You can write “Jesus loves me” on a small piece of paper and put it in the matchbox.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Scenic Overlook Write the word “Enough” on a page in your Passport Journal. What does “enough” feel like? Write any words that come to your mind around the page. Remember times when you had enough. Write down a word or make a symbol that reminds you of times when you had enough. Doodle around these words. Or Put some flour on your hands and lift the dough out of the bowl, place it on the parchment paper and knead it a few times. As you are kneading, pray to yourself: Jesus is enough. Flatten out the dough and use the cookie cutter to see how many pieces you can get out of this one piece of dough. When you are finished, knead the dough all back into one piece and place back in the bowl.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Snack Shop Make some “Enough” Trail Mix! Make a bag for yourself and a second bag to share with someone else.

Week 3 – Travel Sites – “I Am the Light of the World” Here are the instructions for the six travel site stations for this week. Take a few minutes to cut apart the sections and place at the appropriate travel site. Add your own creativity by gluing each to construction paper or by printing them in color. Depending on the number of children, consider printing a few copies for each travel site. Passport Office Cut out a Passport stamp, write “I Am the Light of the World.” on your stamp, and glue it into your Passport. Color and decorate your page.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pray and Reflect Ask one of the leaders to light the candle. As you look at the candle, take a deep breath in through your nose, and as you breathe in say to yourself, “Jesus says.” As you breathe out, say “I Am the Light of the World.” Do this a few times, noticing how you are feeling or what you are thinking. When it feels like your prayer is over, carefully blow out the candle. You can write about your prayer, doodle, or draw a picture in your Passport Journal.


Souvenir Shop Make a candle holder. For younger children: use Play-Doh or modeling clay to make a holder for a votive candle, and put the candle in the holder. For older children: Mason jar, maps, scissors, glue, markers. Step 1—Measure and cut the map so that it fits around the Mason jar. Step 2—Fold the map in half and cut out a heart. Step 3—Write “I am the Light of the World.” on the map. Step 4—Wrap the map around the Mason jar and glue it in place. Step 5—Place a votive candle in the jar.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Scenic Overlook Use the supplies to make a booth. Once you have made your booth, you can sit in it with your glow stick or flashlight. (An example is putting a blanket over a table and gathering under the covered table.)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Snack Shop For this session, pretend you are in your booth with your family, you have a campfire, and you are going to make s’mores by roasting a marshmallow and then mashing it between two graham crackers and a chocolate bar. Help yourself to a small scoop of each item to make s’mores snack mix.

Week 4 – Travel Sites – “I Am the Good Shepherd” Here are the instructions for the six travel site stations for this week. Take a few minutes to cut apart the sections and place at the appropriate travel site. Add your own creativity by gluing each to construction paper or by printing them in color. Depending on the number of children, consider printing a few copies for each travel site. Passport Office Cut out a Passport stamp, write “I Am the Good Shepherd.” on your stamp, and glue it into your Passport. Color and decorate your page.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pray and Reflect Ask one of the leaders to light the candle. As you look at the candle, take a deep breath in through your nose, and as you breathe in say to yourself, “Jesus says.” As you breathe out, say “I Am the Good Shepherd.” Do this a few times, noticing how you are feeling or what you are thinking. When it feels like your prayer is over, carefully blow out the candle. You can write about your prayer, doodle, or draw a picture in your Passport Journal.


Souvenir Shop Make a sheep to remind you that when you are lost, Jesus is already searching to find you. Hold the small sheep shape in one hand. Hold the end of the yarn on the sheep with the other hand and begin to wrap the yarn around and around the sheep. Glue the end of the yarn to the sheep. Now use the glue to give your sheep eyes to see.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Scenic Overlook Imagine you are looking out at a green pasture; use the green construction paper and the sticks to make a pen for your sheep. You can glue wiggly eyes on the cotton balls to make your sheep. You can glue your pasture into your Passport Journal.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Snack Shop Sheepherders would carry snacks with them that were easy to eat while they were herding their sheep.

Week 5 – Travel Sites – “I Am the True Vine” Here are the instructions for the six travel site stations for this week. Take a few minutes to cut apart the sections and place at the appropriate travel site. Add your own creativity by gluing each to construction paper or by printing them in color. Depending on the number of children, consider printing a few copies for each travel site. Passport Office Cut out a Passport stamp, write “I Am the True Vine.” on your stamp, and glue it into your Passport. Color and decorate your page.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pray and Reflect Ask one of the leaders to light the candle. As you look at the candle, take a deep breath in through your nose, and as you breathe in say to yourself, “Jesus says.” As you breathe out, say “I Am the True Vine.” Do this a few times, noticing how you are feeling or what you are thinking. When it feels like your prayer is over, carefully blow out the candle. You can write about your prayer, doodle, or draw a picture in your Passport Journal.


Souvenir Shop Make a bracelet using the green pipe cleaners and the purple beads.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Scenic Overlook Plant the seeds, and as your vine grows, remember how you are growing with Jesus.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Snack Shop As people worked in the vineyard, they could snack on grapes. To grow the very best grapes, they would prune away some of the other branches.

Week 6 – Travel Sites – “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Here are the instructions for the six travel site stations for this week. Take a few minutes to cut apart the sections and place at the appropriate travel site. Add your own creativity by gluing each to construction paper or by printing them in color. Depending on the number of children, consider printing a few copies for each travel site. Passport Office Cut out a Passport stamp, write “I Am the Way.” on your stamp, and glue it into your Passport. Color and decorate your page.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pray and Reflect Ask one of the leaders to light the candle. As you look at the candle, take a deep breath in through your nose, and as you breathe in say to yourself, “Jesus says.” As you breathe out, say “I Am the Way.” Do this a few times, noticing how you are feeling or what you are thinking. When it feels like your prayer is over, carefully blow out the candle. You can write about your prayer, doodle, or draw a picture in your Passport Journal.


Souvenir Shop Jesus tells the disciples he is going to prepare a place for them. If you were preparing a place for Jesus, what would you include? Use Lego bricks to build something. Or use the graph paper to design a place. Glue your graph paper design into your Passport Journal.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Scenic Overlook Study the Labyrinth. Use your finger to trace your way in. When you get to the center, say to yourself, “Jesus, thank you for showing me the way.” Use your finger to trace your way back out. You can cut it out and add to your journal or draw one of your own.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Snack Shop No instructions this week. Put out fruit, cheese, or crackers for the children.

Week 7 – Travel Sites – “I Am the Resurrection.” Here are the instructions for the six travel site stations for this week. Take a few minutes to cut apart the sections and place at the appropriate travel site. Add your own creativity by gluing each to construction paper or by printing them in color. Depending on the number of children, consider printing a few copies for each travel site. Passport Office Cut out a Passport stamp, write “I Am the Resurrection.” on your stamp, and glue it into your Passport. Color and decorate your page.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pray and Reflect Ask one of the leaders to light the candle. As you look at the candle, take a deep breath in through your nose, and as you breathe in say to yourself, “Jesus says.” As you breathe out, say “I Am the Resurrection.” Do this a few times, noticing how you are feeling or what you are thinking. When it feels like your prayer is over, carefully blow out the candle. You can write about your prayer, doodle, or draw a picture in your Passport Journal.


Souvenir Shop A caterpillar becoming a butterfly reminds us of becoming a new creation in Christ. Step 1: Flatten the coffee filter and place it on a plate or newspaper. The paint and water will soak through. Step 2: Use the watercolors to paint beautiful wings for your butterfly. Let it dry. Step 3: Fold the coffee filter accordion style, in about 1/2-inch pleats, like you are making a fan. Step 4: Twist the chenille stem around the middle of the filter. Step 5: Bend the tips of the chenille stems over about 1/4 inch to create the antennae. Step 6: Fan out the butterfly wings.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Scenic Overlook Enter into the cave, imagine Jesus saying, “Come Out!” and walk out.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Snack Shop No written instructions this week. Put out fruit, cheese, or crackers for the children.

Passport OffIce

Travel Agency

Pray and Reflect

Souvenir Shop

Scenic Overlook

Snack Shop

© 2014 Upper Room Books

Instrucons:Use paern to cut out sheep from black cra foam sheets. Cut 3’ strands from fluffy yarn and wrap around the sheep shape. Glue on wiggly eyes.

Session 4 – The God We Can Know

%

Pockets will help you create a place where children enter a world of fun and adventure. Each issue is filled with stories and Bible-based activities that can be easily utilized as children’s ministry resources. With multiple copies of Pockets on hand, you can affordably provide your children with a fun and easy way to connect with God.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SPECIAL GROUP DISCOUNT

57% off THE ANNUAL COVER PRICE!

That’s only $1.50 per copy!

Call 800.972.0433 TODAY and ask for offer A4JT01

pockets.upperroom.org

Order a minimum of 10 copies of each issue (11 issues a year) and have them delivered to the same location.

the god - upper room books | upper room books

Documents