THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD

AUGUST WK 1

THEME

I am special in God’s eyes.

SCRIPTURE

I praise you because I am ….wonderfully made. All the days planned for me are written in your book. Psalms 139: 14& 16 (NIV)

PREPARATION

1 blue prize ribbon

a construction paper prize ribbon for each child (pattern on page___)

safety pins to attach ribbons

STORYTIME

Show the blue ribbon prize to the children; discuss what it represents and the circumstances under which you might win one. The focus should be on a fair (county, state, school) where entries are judged and prizes awarded. Continue by telling the children the following story.

Three angels in heaven were looking down at a county fair in (present locale). Their excitement was so great, that they convinced God to send them and the angel Gabriel down to hold a children’s fair in the town. The angels were to find the best child in town. Secretly, they visited the schools, peeked through the windows of the homes and watched the children on the playgrounds. After a couple of days, the angels met with Gabriel to make their recommendations. Each angel had chosen a different child, and they were confident that theirs was the best. Gabriel took the problem to God. God handed him a packet stuffed with something and told him to return to the town. The following Sunday, the church was packed because everyone had come to see who was the most perfect child in _______. Gabriel called all the children to the front of the church, so he could award the blue ribbon. He reached into the packet and handed a blue ribbon to a little blue-eyed blonde in the front row. Next he handed one to the tall boy in back. One by one, each child received a blue ribbon. Gabriel shared the scripture telling each child that he or she is one of a kind. Each of them is the very best God has ever made.

PRAYER

Dear Father,

Thank you for each of these precious children that you have made in such a wonderful way. May they always remember how important they are to you.

Amen

August WK 4

THEME

I am special in God’s eyes.

SCRIPTURE

I praise you because I am wonderfully made…..all the days planned for me are written in your book. Psalms 139:14 & 16 (NIV)

PREPARATION

a 12-15 piece preformed puzzle (one depicting a child’s bible story is ideal) with a sequential number written on the back of each piece

glue a puzzle piece on a small index card and write the scripture on it for each child

before the service give a puzzle piece to an older child, ask the child to hold on to it, even if the number on the back is called out, until you give a pre-arranged signal

STORYTIME

Remind the children that God has given each of them different talents to be used for Him. Hand out the puzzle pieces. Begin to assemble the puzzle by calling out the numbers starting with those at the bottom of the puzzle. Call out the missing number several times. As you build the puzzle, pieces will begin to fall out because the missing piece is not there to hold the other pieces in place. The older child that has that piece will not respond until you give the signal. When the missing piece is found, the puzzle can be completed and the children can see the story it tells. Discuss with the group how important it was to have every piece because without the missing piece, the other pieces could not do their part and the job could not be done. Help the children see how important their God-given talent is.They must do their part so others can do theirs and God’s work can get done.

CLOSING

Tell them again how very special they are to God and how He needs them to use their special gifts to help Him do His work here on earth.

Hand out the index cards and review the scripture.

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving us special talents so we can help tell your story.

Amen