Leaders Guide Winter 2016 One Room School House Deep Blue

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com
www.abingdonpress.com
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Fall 2015
UNIT 1: Gods
Creation Is Good
Sept 6The Earth
Sept 13Living Things
Sept 20In Gods Image
Sept 27Adam and Eve
UNIT 2: Big Promises

Oct 4Abraham and
Sarah
Oct 11Abraham and Lot
Oct 18The Birth of Isaac
Oct 25Isaac and
Rebekah
Winter
201516
UNIT 1: Away in a
Manger
Dec 6Gabriels
Message
Dec 13Mary Visits
Elizabeth
Nov 1Jacob and Esau
Nov 22Jacobs Ladder

Nov 29Elizabeth and
Zechariah
UNIT 1: Jesus Lives!
UNIT 1: The Rainbow

Promise
March 6Jesus Washes

Feet
March 13Jesus
Celebrates
Passover
Dec 20Jesus Is Born

Dec 27Joyous News
March 27Jesus Lives
UNIT 2: Jesus
Ministry Begins
Jan 3Follow the Star
Jan 10Jesus Is Baptized
Jan 24Jesus Brings
Good News
Jan 31Jesus Heals
Nov 8The Birthright

Nov 15The Blessing
Summer 2016
March 20Jesus Enters

Jerusalem
Jan 17Jesus Chooses
UNIT 3: Blessings and

Birthrights
Spring 2016
UNIT 3: Jesus Calls

Helpers
Feb 7Jesus Calls the
Fishermen
Feb 14Jesus Calls Levi
Feb 21Go Two by Two
Feb 28Women Follow
Jesus
UNIT 2: Believe
April 3The Road to
Emmaus
Jun 5Noah Builds

the Ark
Jun 12Two of Every Kind
9781501800696
Jun 19Sending Out the

Dove
Coming soon for Easter 2016:
Jun 26The Rainbow

Promise
April 17The Great

Commission
Jul 24Patience
May 1Choosing the

Seven
May 8 Philip and the
Ethiopian
May 15Pentecost
May 22First Called
Christians
May 29We Are One
Body
5/4/15 9:59 AM
If you have questions or comments, call Curric-UPhone toll free: 800-251-8591. Or e-mail
curricuphone@cokesbury.com.
Pak, and CD-ROM. Kit price: $72.99 per

quarter. Copyright 2015 Abingdon
Press. All rights reserved. Printed in China.
Jul 17Peace
Jul 31Kindness
Vol. 22 No. 2 WINTER 201516
UNIT 3: Fruit of the

Spirit: Part 2
Aug 7Goodness
Aug 14Faithfulness
Aug 21Gentleness
Aug 28Self-control
Cokesbury.com | 800.672.1789
Community Resource Consultants
DBK1570300CR001ND001.indd 1
Jul 3Love
Jul 10Joy
UNIT 3: Good News

Spreads
From a Deep Blue Night to a Bright Morning Light

9781501806063. $1.99

Spirit: Part 1
April 10Thomas
Believes
April 24Believers Share
DBK1570300CR001ND001
Scope and Sequence

Fall 2015 Summer 2016
Editorial / Design Team

Sally Hoelscher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Writer
Daphna Flegal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor
Susan Heinemann Silveira. . . . . . . . Production Editor
Matthew Allison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Designer
Administrative Team
Neil M. Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Publisher
Marjorie M. Pon. . . . . Associate Publisher and Editor of Church
School Publications (CSP)
Phillip D. Francis. . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Design Manager, CSP
LeeDell B. Stickler........................................ Senior Editor,
Childrens Resource
Deep Blue Kids: One Room Sunday School,
Leaders Guide: Published quarterly by Abingdon
Press, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988,
Nashville, TN 37228-0988. This Leaders Guide is
part of the One Room Sunday School resource kit
that includes a Reproducible Kids Book, Resource
To order copies of this

publication, call toll free: 800672-1789. You may fax your order
to 800-445-8189. Or order online
at cokesbury.com . Use your
Cokesbury account, American
Express, Visa, Discover, or
MasterCard.
For information concerning permission to reproduce
any material in this publication, write to Rights
and Permissions, The United Methodist Publishing
House, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988,
Nashville, TN 37228-0988. You may fax your
request to 615-749-6128. Or e-mail permissions@
abingdonpress.com.
Scripture quotations, unless noted otherwise, are

from the Common English Bible. Copyright 2011 by
the Common English Bible. All rights reserved. Used
by permission. ( www.CommonEnglishBible.com )
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
PACP10001147-01
Contents
Written by Sally Hoelscher
2
Using These Resources
4 Supplies
UNIT 1: Away In a Manger

5 December 6
1. Gabriels Message
13 December 13
2. Mary Visits Elizabeth
20 December 20
3. Jesus Is Born
27 December 27
4. Joyous News
UNIT 2: Jesus Ministry Begins

34 January 3
5. Follow the Star
Art: Shutterstock, Inc.
41 January 10
6. Jesus Is Baptized
48 January 17
7. Jesus Chooses
55 January 24
8. Jesus Brings Good News
62 January 31
9. Jesus Heals
Check out DeepBlueKids.com to connect

with other leaders, download additional
content for the quarter, and read weekly
articles.
UNIT 3: J esus Calls Helpers

69 February 7
10. Jesus Calls the Fishermen
76 February 14
11. Jesus Calls Levi
Download the new

Deep Blue app
today! Its free
83 February 21
12. Go Two by Two
90 February 28
13. Women Follow Jesus
Websites are constantly changing. Although the websites recommended

in this resource were checked at the time this unit was developed, we
recommend that you double-check all sites to verify that they are still live
and that they are still suitable for children before doing the activity.
Cover design by Phillip D. Francis
Illustrations by Tim Moen, character designer; Jesse Griffin, 3D artist; Julio Medina, 3D artist;
Eric M. Mikula, facial rigging; Christopher Slavik, layout artist
Winter 2015-16
DeepBlueKids.com
Using These Resources

Heres how it works
Leaders Guide
Each session plan is divided into four sections:
1. Jump In
Arrival activities to help the children begin thinking
about what they will be learning and group-building
time to help the children relate to one another
2. Dive Deeper
Group activities for hearing, understanding, and
experiencing the Bible story
3. Grow Stronger
Activities to encourage contemporary application to
the childrens lives, including opportunities to serve
others in their church and community and to
participate in mission projects around the world
4. Worship
Group activities that encourage the learners to
remember the Bible stories and verses and worship
together
Reproducible Kids Book

Seven activity sheets for each session, including a
Bible story and a variety of activities. Each activity is
labeled at the bottom for one of three groupings:
For Nonreaders
For Readers
For Everyone
Resource Pak
Attendance chart, colorful pictures, games, maps,
posters, storytelling figures, murals, patterns, song
lyrics, and other resources to use with the children in
the classroom
Deep Blue
One Room Sunday
School Leaders Guide
CD-ROM
Vocal and instrumental recordings of the songs for each unit, PowerPoint
slides of the lyrics, and printed sheet music with lyrics
The songs marked with an * are not featured in the DVDs music videos.
1. Gods Greatest Gift of All*
4. Step by Step
2. The Manger and the Miracle
5. Three Wise Men*
3. God Chose Jesus
6. Lets Go Deep Blue
DVD
Music videos for the quarter and a video segment for each session that
provides another fun way to understand the meaning of the Bible story
The DVD has 13 episodes set in the bright, wonderful world of the Deep
Blue Kids: Asia, Kat, and Edgar.
the weeks Bible story told by the Deep Blue Kids;
a music video of the Deep Blue theme song, Lets Go Deep Blue;
t he Bible versewritten, spoken, and signed, using signs from American
Sign Language.
and more!
Deep Blue Kids Bible

Kids will dive deep into Gods Word with the CEB Deep Blue
Kids Bible. This engaging, interactive Bible offers four-color
icons and illustrations throughout with a wealth of notes,
devotionals, Bible trivia, and other interactive elements to
capture inquisitive young minds. Plus, the CEB Deep
Blue Kids Bible will encourage a thirst for Gods
timeless message as young readers join three
lifelike kids in discovering the Bible and what it
means to their lives.
Deep Blue Kids One

Room Sunday School
resources are available
in Braille on request.
Contact:
Braille Ministry
c/o Donna Veigel
10810 N. 91st Avenue #96
Peoria, AZ 85345
(623) 979-7552
Winter 2015-16
DeepBlueKids.com
Supplies
herever your one-room Sunday school class

gathersin the back of the sanctuary, a
small room, the pastors office, the kitchen, or even
a hallwaythere are some basic supplies you will
need to have available almost every Sunday. The ideal
situation is to collect the basic supplies you think you
will need and keep them accessible every Sunday.
Store them in a cabinet or a closet if one is available; if
not, think about a box in the corner of a room or under

a pew in the sanctuary. Or assign a place to keep some
basic supplies in the trunk of your car.
Whether you collect supplies in advance or one unit
at a time, choose the activities you will use, and
provide what will be needed for just that unit. Or, if
you need to, collect supplies for one lesson at a time.
The Basics
scissors
markers
crayons, colored pencils
pencils and pens
markers
construction paper
drawing paper
tissue paper
glue and gluesticks
stapler and staples

yarn
rulers
paper punch
clear tape
masking tape
rubber bands
paper clips
string
craft sticks
modeling clay
a hymnal
small basket
mural paper
paper towels; cleaning
supplies
index cards
scarfs and streamers
paper cups and plates
plastic table covers
Bibles
simple Bible costumes
CD player
Beyond the Basics
Check the sessions of each unit for a list of the

specific supplies needed for the activities in that unit.
Make a wish list of the supplies you will need for
that unit. Members of your church will be happy to
know how they can support the children in the church.
Publish the list in the church newsletter or bulletin.
If you have a place to store supplies, encourage the
congregation to bring supplies such as old magazines,
paper-towel tubes, paper grocery bags, yogurt cups,
envelopes, or fabric scraps.
If you do not have a place to store things, make a
new list each week of the things you will need for the
next two or three weeks.
Deep Blue
One Room Sunday
School Leaders Guide
SESSION 1
Gabriels Message
December 6
Bible Story
Luke 1:26-38
Bible Verse
This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a
manger. (Luke 2:12)
Before You Begin
he Gospels contain six accounts of angels saying, Do not be afraid. The frequency
with which angels spoke this reassurance makes one wonder why it was necessary.
Were angels terrifying to behold, such that their appearance required reassurance? Or
did the appearance of an angel usually signify such an important pronouncement, and
possibly a life-altering event, that their presence automatically elicited a response of
fear?
For Mary, her encounter with the angel Gabriel certainly qualified as a life-changing
event. Life as she knew it was about to change dramatically. Had she known how
much, she might have been even more afraid.
Mary was a young girl, probably 12 or 13 years old, the age at which girls were
married during Bible times. Mary was not a queen or a princess but simply a young girl
engaged to be married to a carpenter. Mary lived in a small town, Nazareth in Galilee,
which the Old Testament does not mention. She was an ordinary girl in an insignificant
town until the angels visit.
The angel told Mary that she had found favor with God. Many
assume that those who are blessed by God will enjoy wealth and
good health. Marys blessing, however, was that she was
to have a child out of wedlock. Marys response of How
can this be? seems appropriate and believable. The angel
assured her that it was true and the baby was Gods Son.
God was at work among ordinary people, choosing to
send Jesus as a message of Gods love, in an unexpected
and unconventional way.
As we continue through Advent, we prepare
once again to celebrate Gods unconventional
message of love. Sometimes in the busyness
of the season, its possible to become
overwhelmed. Take a moment to slow down
and say a prayer of thanks to God for the
message of love sent long ago and the many
messages of love God continues to send us,
sometimes in unexpected ways.
Anchor Point
Jesus is Gods gift to all
people.
My Plan
qA
ssemble the Crew
qM
ission Moment
qC
an You Hear the
Message?
qD
eep Blue Bible
Adventure
qB
ible Story
qM
ake a Clothespin
Angel
qM
ake a Beaded
Angel
q Gabriel Visits Mary
qM
arys Response
q Make Messages to
Deliver
qB
egin an Art Journal
qB
egin a Journal
q P raise and Pray
Everyone
Readers
Nonreaders
Visit DeepBlueKids.
com/leaders to join
the community with
other leaders and find
helpful weekly content
and articles.
Requires
preparation.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. 2015 Abingdon Press
Winter 201516
Session 1
DeepBlueKids.com
Jump In!
The following activities may be done in learning
centers as the children arrive or may be done with
the entire group.
Ass e mbl e t h e Cr ew
Supplies: Resource Pakp. 2, DVD and player,
offering basket, marker
Display the Attendance Chart (Resource Pakp. 2).

Greet the children as they arrive. Mark each childs name on the Attendance Chart.
Show the children where to place any offerings.
Play Lets Go Deep Blue on the DVD as the children arrive.
Mi ss i o n M o ment
Supplies: Activity 1a, Resource Pakp. 16
Photocopy Mission Letter (Activity 1a) for each child to take home.
SAY: This month were raising money for Heifer International, an organization
working to end poverty and hunger around the world. Were going to do something
to raise money to help people who need clean water. When people have clean water,
they are healthier and can take better care of their animals and plants. You have a
letter to take home to your parents that explains more about Heifer International.
The rest of this month we will collect money for the Heifer project.
Let each child decorate the page with crayons or markers.
Show the children the Mission Poster (Resource Pakp. 16).
SAY: When we give money to our Heifer project, we are giving a gift to someone we
dont know. That is a great way to thank God for giving us the gift of Jesus.
TIP
Some children may
experience hurt feelings
if they do not have a
mark for each day on a
traditional attendance
chart. You may want
to use an alternative
approach that does not
single out children who
miss a week but rather
encourages the whole
class to attend regularly
and work together for a
prize.
TIP
Instructions for sending
the offerings to Heifer
International at the end
of the month can be
found on page 32 of this
Leaders Guide.
Ca n Yo u H e ar the M essage?
Supplies: paper cups, string, paper clips, scissors, sharp pencils
SAY: Today were going to make something to deliver messages to each other.
Have the children pair up.

Give each pair of children two paper cups and two paper clips.
Have the children follow these directions to make a paper-cup telephone:

1.Use a sharp pencil to poke a small hole in the bottom of each cup. (An adult
may need to help younger children.)
2.Cut a piece of string that is almost long enough to reach from one side of the
room to the other.
Deep Blue
One Room Sunday School Leaders Guide December 6
3.Thread each end of the string through the hole in the bottom of a paper cup
so that the end of the string is inside the cup.
4.Tie each end of the string to a paper clip.
5.Have each child hold one of the paper cups, and have the children walk away
from each other until the string is pulled tight.
Encourage one child to hold the cup to his or her ear.

Have the other child hold the cup to his or her mouth, and say, Jesus is Gods gift to
all people.
Encourage the children to take turns listening and delivering the message.
Have the children speak to each other across the room without the use of the
phones and compare how well they can hear each other with and without the cup
telephone.
Challenge the children to experiment with the following changes to see how the
delivery of sound is affected:

Do not pull the string tight.
Have a third person hold on to the middle of the string.
SAY: In todays Bible story, God uses a special delivery method to send a message to
someone.
Dive Deeper
De e p B l u e Bi ble Adventur e
Supplies: DVD and player
Invite the children to sit down where they can comfortably see the screen.
SAY: Today Asia, Edgar, and Kat are decorating the tree house for Christmas. Lets
watch and see what happens.
Watch Session 1 from Deep Blue Adventure (DVD).
ASK: Do you think Mary was expecting an angel to visit her?
B i b le Sto ry
Supplies: Bibles, Activity 1b
Photocopy Gabriels Message (Activity 1b) for each child.
SAY: Our Bible story today is from the Gospel of Luke.

ASK: Is Luke in the Old Testament, or the New Testament? (New Testament)
SAY: The New Testament contains stories of Jesus life and ministry.
Have the children find the Gospel of Luke in their Bibles, encouraging the children
to help one another.
Winter 201516
Session 1
DeepBlueKids.com
SAY: God had a message for Mary. God used an angel to deliver the message.
Read the Bible story from Gabriels Message, pausing during the story to ask the
questions in italics. Give the children an opportunity to answer the questions.
ASK: How did God deliver a message to Mary? (by sending an angel) In the end,
what was Marys response to the angels news? (She agreed to do what God wanted
her to do.) Do you think you would have agreed so readily?
Mak e a C lothespin Angel

Supplies: clothespins (spring type), coffee filters, gold or silver chenille stems, string,
markers, scissors, transparent tape
Cut the chenille stems into fourths. Cut pieces of string approximately six inches
long. Tie the ends of each piece of string together to form a hanging loop.
TIP
There are no right
or wrong answers
to the questions in
italics on Activity
1b. The questions
are designed to get
the children thinking
about what Gabriels
appearance was like
for Mary.
SAY: Were going to make angel ornaments to have a reminder of todays Bible story.
Give each child a clothespin and a coffee filter.
Have each child spread a coffee filter flat.
Show each child how to scrunch the coffee filter down into the clothespin and clip
the clothespin in the center of the coffee filter.
SAY: Now your angel has wings!

Give each child a piece of chenille stem, and have him or her form it into a circle,
making sure that there is enough of one end left to stick down in the clothespin.
Have each child open the clothespin slightly and stick the end of the chenille stem in
the top of the clothespin. (The top is the part that opens.)
SAY: Now your angel has a halo!

Encourage each child to use markers to draw a face on his or her angel.
Give each child a loop of string, and have him or her use another small piece of tape
to attach the loop to the back of the angel.
Mak e a Be aded Angel

Supplies: chenille stems (white and gold), plastic beads, one round wooden bead (about
inch in diameter) per child, 15 beads inch in diameter per child, string, scissors
SAY: Were going to make angel ornaments to have a reminder of todays Bible story.
Have each child follow these directions to make an ornament:

1.Place 15 smaller beads on a white chenille stem, moving the beads to the
center so that the unbeaded portion of chenille stem is equal on each side of
the beads.
2. Bend the chenille stem so that the beads form a teardrop shape.
3. Twist the chenille stem around itself once just above the beaded teardrop.
TIP
If you do not have
wooden beads, you
may substitute
flesh-colored plastic
beads.
Deep Blue
4. Form each end of the chenille stem into a teardrop shape.
5. Stick each end of the chenille stem down into the beads to secure it.
6. Cut a piece of string 9 to 12 inches long.
7. Thread the string through the center of the beaded loop, and tie the ends
together to form a hanging loop. The ornament should hang from the narrow
part of the beaded section so that the wings are at the top.
8. Thread a wooden bead onto the hanging loop to form the angels head.
9. Cut a piece of gold chenille stem approximately two inches long, and form it
into a circle to form a halo.
10. Thread the halo onto the hanging loop to rest on top of the angels head.
Photo: Sally Hoelscher
Gabr i e l V i s i ts M ary
Supplies: Activity 1c, crayons
Photocopy Gabriel Visits Mary (Activity 1c) for each child.
SAY: This picture is titled, Gabriel Visits Mary.

ASK: What is missing from this picture? (Gabriel)
Have each child add Gabriel to the picture.
Encourage each child to color the picture.
Ma ry s R e sponse
Supplies: Bibles, Activity 1d, pencils
Photocopy Marys Response (Activity 1d) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Marys Response and a pencil.
Encourage each child to decode the message.
Have the children check their answers by looking up Luke 1:38.
Grow Stronger
Make Me ssag es to Deliver
Supplies: Activity 1e, cardstock, crayons, colored pencils, scissors; optional: stickers
Photocopy Message Cards (Activity 1e) onto cardstock for each child.
ASK: Do you like surprises?

SAY: Since we have been talking about delivering messages today, were going to
make some messages that you can leave around to surprise people who find them.
Give each child a copy of Message Cards.
Encourage each child to decorate the cards by using crayons, colored pencils, and
stickers.
Have each child cut the cards apart.
Winter 201516
Session 1
DeepBlueKids.com
SAY: When you take your cards home, put them in places where people will find
them. You might tape one to a light switch or put one on someones pillow.
ASK: What are some other places you could put your messages? How, do you think,
will people feel when they find one of your messages?
B e g i n a n A rt J o ur nal
Supplies: Activity 1f, large sheets of construction paper, crayons, markers
Photocopy Art Journal: Gabriels Message (Activity 1f) for each child.
SAY: Today youre going to start an art journal that youll add to every week for the
next three months.
Give each child a copy of Art Journal: Gabriels Message.
Read the information at the top of the page to the children.
Invite each child to draw a picture in response to the question.
Affirm each childs work.
SAY: I can see that you all know of many ways to serve God. Today youll make a
cover for your art journal to keep all of the pages together.
Invite each child choose a large sheet of construction paper.
Have each child fold the construction paper in half to bring the short sides
together.
Encourage each child to write his or her name on the outside of the journal cover
and decorate the cover with crayons or markers.
Have each child place her or his drawing inside the journal cover.
Collect the art journals to be used next week.
B e g i n a J o u rnal
Supplies: Activity 1g, large sheets of construction paper, pencils, crayons, markers
Photocopy Journal Page: Gabriels Message for each child.
SAY: Today you are going to start a journal you will add to for the next three months.
Each week you will add a journal page about the weeks lesson.
Give each child a copy of Journal Page: Gabriels Message.
Invite each child to think about the questions on the page and write her or his
responses.
Allow time for the children to reflect and write.
SAY: Today youll make a cover for your journal to keep all of the pages together.
Invite each child choose a large sheet of construction paper.
Have each child fold the construction paper in half to bring the short sides together.
10
Deep Blue
Encourage each child to write his or her name on the outside of the journal cover
and to decorate the cover by using crayons or markers.
Have each child place his or her paper inside the journal cover.
Collect the journals to be used next week.
Worship
Pr a i s e a n d P ray
TIP
Supplies: Fall 2015 Resource Pakp. 12, Leaders Guidep. 12,

Resource Pakpp. 3, 9, 12-13, CD-ROM, DVD and player, CD player, yellow tissue paper,
tape
Photocopy and cut out Talk About Gabriels Message (Leaders Guidep. 12)
for each child. Learn the signs from the December Sign Language Poster (Resource
Pakp. 9) so that you can teach them to the children. Make sure that one candle on the
Advent Wreath poster (Fall Resource Pakp. 12) is lighted with yellow tissue paper.
Display the Advent Wreath poster, as well as the December Bible Verse Poster,
the December Sign Language Poster, and the Nativity Scene Poster (Resource
Pakpp. 3, 9, 12-13), in your worship area.
Cut yellow tissue paper into a small square. Twist the paper to look like a flame.
SAY: Today is the second Sunday of Advent, so now two candles on our wreath will be
lighted.
Continue to use the

Advent wreath from the
Fall 2015 Resource
Pakp. 12. Or provide an
Advent wreath with four
purple candles.
The songs lyrics are
printed on pages 2324
of the Winter 201516
Resource Pak, are on the
CD-ROM, and are shown
on the DVD.
Choose a child to tape the tissue-paper flame on a second purple candle of the
Advent Wreath poster. Play the song Gods Greatest Gift of All (CD-ROM) as the
child pretends to light the candle.
Play this months song, The Manger and the Miracle (DVD or CD-ROM), and
encourage the children to sing and move along with the music.
Show the children the Bible Verse Poster. Encourage the readers in your group to
read the verse with you.
Teach children the sign language for the Bible verse.
Encourage all children to sign and say the Bible verse with you.
Show children the Nativity Scene Poster.
ASK: Whom did we hear about in todays story? (Mary and Gabriel)
SAY: We have more of the story to hear as we continue to get ready to celebrate the
birth of Jesus.
PRAY: God, thank you for the gift of Jesus. Thank you for the opportunity to serve
you in many ways. Help us to look for ways to share your love with other people.
Amen.
Send home Talk About Gabriels Message with each child. Encourage the parents
to talk about todays story with their children.
Winter 201516
Session 1
DeepBlueKids.com
11
Talk About Gabriels Message

Look up todays Bible story in your Bible:
Luke 1:26-38
Use these questions to talk about todays Bible story at home:
How, do you think, did Mary feel when she saw the angel, Gabriel?
How would you react if an angel suddenly appeared to you?
What did the angel tell Mary to name her baby? (Jesus)
Say the Bible verse together:
MATT
This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and
lying in a manger. (Luke 2:12)
Pray:
Thank you, God, for the gift of Jesus. Amen.
Marys Response
12g
1d
that she was going to be the mother of Gods Son.
Jesus is Gods gift to all people.
Hint: A=Z, B=Y, C=X, and so on. Check your answer by looking up Luke 1:38.
Answers
Marys Response
Activity 1d
I__ A__ M
__
R Z N
T
L __
OR
S __E __R__V__A __N __T . __L __E __T
__ H
__ E__ __
__ D
__ __S __
G S V O L I W H H V I E Z M G. O V G
I__ T__ __
B E__ W
E __J __
U __
S __
T A
YO
__ __I T__ H
__ M
__ __
__ __S __
__ U
__
R G Y V D R G S N V Q F H G Z H B L F
HA
__
__ V
__ E
__ S__ A
__ __I D
__ .
S Z E V H Z R W.
12
Deep Blue
SESSION 2
Mary Visits Elizabeth

Bible Verse
manger. (Luke 2:12)
Before You Begin
he Gospel of Luke begins with the announcements of two upcoming births. The first
announcement was to Elizabeth and Zechariah. Zechariah and Elizabeth had no
children and were getting old. It is likely they had accepted they would remain childless.
Then an angel from God surprised them with the news that not only would they have
a son but also this son would have an important job to do for God. Their son would
prepare people for the coming of the Lord.
The second birth announcement in Luke is the story we read last week of Gabriel
telling Mary she would give birth to Gods Son. Gabriel also told Mary that her relative
Elizabeth was expecting a baby. The two storylines merge at Marys visitation to
Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Marys greeting, her child leaped in her womb. Elizabeth told
Mary the baby had jumped for joy in the presence of the Lord. There is no indication
that Elizabeth knew of Marys pregnancy prior to her visit. When her baby jumped for
joy, Elizabeth took this as a sign. Elizabeths baby, who grew up to become John the
Baptist, identified Jesus as Lord even when they were both still in the
womb.
Upon seeing Mary, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy
Spirit and made several pronouncements. She told Mary
that God had blessed her and the child she was carrying.
Elizabeth also questioned why she had been given the
honor of the Lord visiting her. Even though an angel had
told Mary that she was pregnant with Gods Son, it must
have been reassuring to receive this affirmation from
Elizabeth.
Following Elizabeths greeting, Mary made
a joyful response of her own, praising God
with a song that has become known as the
Magnificat. Mary recalled Gods actions in
the past and trusted in God to continue to be
at work in her life. God is at work in each of our
lives as well, and remembering this truth helps
us respond with joy.
December 13
Bible Story
Luke 1:39-66
Anchor Point
Jesus is Gods gift to
all people.
Your Lesson
qA
ssemble the Crew
qM
ission Moment
q P raise Wall
qD
eep Blue Bible
Adventure
qB
ible Story
q J oyful Jumping Bible
Verse
qA
Joyful Picture
qM
arys Song of Praise
q S pread Some Joy
qA
rt Journal
q Journaling
q P raise and Prayer
Everyone
Readers
Nonreaders
Visit deepblue
kids.com/leaders to
join the community
with other leaders and
find helpful weekly
content and articles.
Requires
preparation.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. 2015 Abingdon Press.
Winter 201516 Session 2
DeepBlueKids.com
13
Jump In!
the entire group.
Ass e m ble t h e Cr ew
Supplies: Resource Pakp. 2, DVD and player, marker

Greet the children as they arrive. Mark each childs name
on the Attendance Chart.
Supplies: Activity 1a, Resource Pakp. 16, offering basket
Photocopy Mission Letter (Activity 1a) for children who were not present last
week.
Have the children who have brought money place it in the offering basket.
SAY: This month were raising money for Heifer International, an organization
working to end poverty and hunger around the world. Were raising money to help
people who need clean water. When people have clean water, they are healthier and
they can take better care of their animals and plants. Today were talking about
joy, and supporting the Heifer project is a way to share the joy of this season with
others.
Show the children the Mission Poster (Resource Pakp. 16).
ASK: How might our offerings bring joy to other people? (by providing them with
a way to take care of themselves and their families)
SAY: If you did not bring mission money today, you may bring it the next two weeks.
Pr a i s e Wall
Supplies: large sticky notes, paper, colored pencils, crayons, tape
Write the words, Praise Wall on a piece of paper. Hang the paper in the middle of
the wall that will be the praise wall.
SAY: Today we are talking about joy.
TIP
Instead of large sticky
notes, you may use
index cards and tape
them to the wall. Check
your churchs policy
on adhering items to
classroom walls.
ASK: How would you describe joy? What makes you joyful?
Show the children the sign you have put up.
SAY: Its appropriate to praise God for the things that make us joyful. Thats what
were going to do today.
14
Deep Blue
Give each child a sticky note.

Encourage each child to write or draw a picture of what makes him or her joyful. For
children who draw a picture, ask what has been drawn and write a brief description
at the bottom of the sticky note.
Have each child place her or his sticky note on the praise wall.
Invite each child to write or draw more joyful things to add to the praise wall.
SAY: We have a lot of joy! During our worship time today, well thank God for the
things named on our praise wall.
Dive Deeper
De e p B l u e Bi bl e Adventur e
SAY: Kat, Asia, and Edgar are continuing to set up the Nativity set in their tree
house. Lets see whom they add to the scene today.
Show the children the video for Session 2.
ASK: Why did Mary go to visit Elizabeth? (because the angel, Gabriel, had told her
Elizabeth was also pregnant)
B i ble Sto ry
Supplies: Bibles, Activity 2a
Photocopy Mary Visits Elizabeth (Activity 2a) for each child.
SAY: Last week we heard about the angel Gabriel visiting Mary.
ASK: What did Gabriel tell Mary? (She was pregnant with Gods Son. Her cousin,
Elizabeth, was also pregnant.) Do you remember what book of the Bible last weeks
story was from? (Luke)
SAY: This weeks Bible story continues where last weeks left off, so its also found in
Luke.
Have the children find Luke in their Bibles, encouraging them to help one another.
Invite confident readers to take turns reading the story from Mary Visits
Elizabeth.
ASK: Why was Mary amazed to find out Elizabeth was pregnant? (because Elizabeth
was old) Why did Elizabeths baby jump for joy when Mary arrived? (It was a sign
that Marys baby was Gods Son.)
SAY: Jesus birth was good news that brought joy to the world. Jesus birth is still a
reason to be joyful, because it is a reminder of Gods great gift to us.
DeepBlueKids.com
15
J oy f u l J u m ping B ibl e Ver se

Supplies: Resource Pakp. 3, 9, Activity 2b, scissors, tape
Make two copies of Bible Verse (Activity 2b). Cut apart the Bible verse cards.
Display the December Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pakp. 3) and December Sign
Language Poster (Resource Pakp. 9) in your classroom.
Tape the Bible verse cards to the floor, making two separate paths: For younger
children, tape the Bible verse cards in order in a straight or slightly curving line,
spacing the cards about nine to twelve inches apart. For older children, tape the
Bible verse cards in a random pattern within a three-foot square area.
TIP
Allowing children to
choose which path
to jump provides an
option for children who
are older but are not
yet confident readers
to choose the straight
path.
Show the children the December Bible Verse Poster, and review the signs learned
last week.
Encourage the children to say and sign the Bible verse with you.
SAY: Now were going to practice saying our Bible verse while were jumping for joy.
Show the children the Bible verse cards taped to the floor.
SAY: Youll take turns jumping on the Bible verse cards in order on one of these two
paths. As you jump on each card, the rest of us will say the Bible verse.
Invite children to take turns jumping the Bible verse. Encourage the rest of the class
to say the verse as each word is jumped on.
A J oy f u l P i ct ur e
Photocopy A Joyful Picture (Activity 2c) for each child.

Give each child a copy of A Joyful Picture.
SAY: This is a picture of Mary and Elizabeth greeting each other.

ASK: Which one of the women is Elizabeth, and which one is Mary? (The visibly
pregnant woman is Elizabeth.) What is missing from this picture? (their faces)
What expressions do you think were on Elizabeth and Marys faces when they saw
each other? (joy, happiness)
Invite each child to draw faces on Mary and Elizabeth.
Encourage each child to color the rest of the picture.
Ma ry s S o n g o f Pr aise
Supplies: Activity 2d, pencils
Photocopy Marys Song of Praise (Activity 2d) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Marys Song of Praise and a pencil.
Encourage each child to solve the puzzle.
16
Deep Blue
Grow Stronger
S p r ead S o me Joy
Supplies: Activity 2e, cardstock, scissors, glue sticks, markers, crayons, colored pencils
Make copies of Joy Messages (Activity 2e). Arrange with your pastor to distribute
the cards that the children make to people who are sick or anyone who needs some
joy this Christmas season.
Cut the cardstock in half to form 5 by 8 pieces.
SAY: We think of Christmas as a joyful time, and it is. But even at Christmastime,
there are people who are sad for many reasons. Today were going to make cards to
share with people who might need some extra cheer. The cards will be delivered to
people who could use a reminder that someone is thinking about them.
Tell the children who will be delivering the cards that they make.
Give each child a piece of cardstock, and have him or her fold it in half to form a
card.
Have each child choose one or more messages from Joy Messages to use on his
or her card. Have the children cut out the selected messages and glue them to the
inside of the card.
Let the children decorate the cover of their cards with crayons, markers, or colored
pencils.
Remind the children to sign their first names to the cards.
Art Jo u rn al
Supplies: Activity 2f, art journals from last week, large sheets of construction paper,
crayons, markers, tissue paper, glue sticks
Photocopy Art Journal: Mary Visits Elizabeth (Activity 2f) for each child.
Tear the tissue paper into pieces that are approximately one inch square.
SAY: Last week you began making an art journal. Today we have been talking about
joy, so you will add a picture of joy to your journal.
Give each child a copy of Art Journal: Mary Visits Elizabeth.
Encourage each child to decorate the letters in the word JOY by gluing on small
pieces of tissue paper.
Have children who were absent last week use large sheets of construction paper to
make covers for their art journals.
Hand out the art journals.
Invite the children to add their pictures to their journals.
Winter 201516
Session 2
DeepBlueKids.com
17
J o u rn ali n g
Supplies: Activity 2g, journals from last week, pencils, large sheets of construction paper,
crayons, markers
Photocopy Journal: Mary Visits Elizabeth (Activity 2g) for each child.
SAY: Last week you began a journal you will add to each week.
Give each child a copy of Journal: Mary Visits Elizabeth and a pencil.
Encourage each child to read the information and write a poem of joyful praise.
Have the children who were absent last week use large sheets of construction
paper to make covers for their journals.
Hand out the journals. Invite the children to add this weeks page to their journals.
Worship
Pr a i s e a n d P r ayer
Supplies: Fall Resource Pakp. 12, Leaders Guidep. 19, Resource Pakpp. 3,
9, 1213, CD-ROM and player, DVD and player, yellow tissue paper, tape
Photocopy and cut out Talk About Mary Visits Elizabeth (Leaders Guidep. 19)
for each child.
Display the Advent Wreath poster (Fall Resource Pakp. 12) and the Nativity Scene
Poster (Resource Pakpp. 12 & 13) in your worship area.
Collect the sticky notes from the praise wall made earlier in the lesson.
Choose a child to tape a flame to the third candle on the Advent Wreath poster.
Play the song Gods Greatest Gift of All (CD-ROM) as the child lights the candle.
TIP
The lyrics are printed
on pages 2324 of the
Resource Pak, are on
the CD-ROM, and are
shown on the DVD.
SAY: Today is the third Sunday of Advent. Christmas is getting closer. Today weve
been talking about joy. Earlier we made a praise wall of things that make us joyful.
Its good to praise God for the things that make us joyful, and thats what were
going to do right now. Im going to read the notes you put on the praise wall one at a
time. After I read each one, Ill invite you to respond, Thank you, God, for joy!
Have the children practice their response.
Read the praise-wall notes, encouraging the children to respond after each one.
PRAY: God of joy, thank you for your gift of Jesus, who brought joy into the world in
many ways. Help us to look for ways to bring joy to others this week. Amen.
Send home Talk About Mary Visits Elizabeth with each child. Encourage parents
to talk about todays story with their children.
18
Deep Blue
Talk About Mary Visits Elizabeth

Look up todays Bible story in your Bible.
Luke 1:39-66
How, do you think, did Elizabeth feel when Mary came to visit her?
What did Elizabeths baby do? (jump for joy)
What makes you jump for joy?
2d
Marys
Song of Praise
Pray:
God.
When you are finished, read down to discover a name sometimes used for Marys song of praise.
Answers
Marys Song of Praise
Activity 2d
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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T
Winter 201516 SessionFor2 Readers

ORSS, 2015 Abingdon Press
Session 2, December 13
DeepBlueKids.com
19
SESSION 3
December 20
Jesus Is Born
Bible Story
Bible Verse
Luke 2:1-7
manger. (Luke 2:12)
Before You Begin
he second chapter of Luke begins, In those days Caesar Augustus declared

that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. At the
time of Jesus birth, Caesar Augustus was the most powerful person in the world, a
world dominated by the Roman Empire. Therefore, when Emperor Augustus decided
that everyone needed to travel to their hometowns to be registered, that was what
happened. It didnt matter if this journey was over sixty miles. And it didnt matter if
the woman to whom you were engaged was about to have a baby. Emperor Augustus
decreed that the entire empire would be registered so that they could be made to pay
taxes.
Joseph and Mary journeyed to Bethlehem. Although images of this journey often
picture Mary riding on a donkey, the Bible doesnt tell us whether they had a donkey or
made the entire journey on foot. Either way, it was surely a long and weary trip, with
Mary nearing the end of her pregnancy.
When they reached Bethlehem, it was time for Marys child to be born. However,
many other people were in Bethlehem to be registered and there was
no room for Mary and Joseph at the inn. And so, Marys baby, Jesus,
also known as Immanuel (God with us), was laid in a manger.
Gods Son began life humbly, in stark contrast to the power
of Emperor Augustus. Its highly unlikely Caesar was even
aware of the birth of another baby in his empire.
At this time of the year when our lives and our
schedules fill up with many things, its good to stop and
consider whether we have filled our lives up to the point
where, like the inn, there is no room for Jesus. As you
prepare for this weeks lesson, take some time
to stop and consider Jesus presence in your
life. In the midst of Christmas preparations
and celebrations, remember that the reason
we celebrate is because God sent Gods Son,
Jesus, to remind us that God is with us.
Anchor Point
all people.
Your Lesson
qA
ssemble the Crew
qM
ission Moment
qG
ift-Wrapping Race
qD
eep Blue Bible
Adventure
qB
ible Story
qA
nimals Around the
Manger
qM
apping the Journey
q P aint the Story
qG
ift-of-Jesus
Ornament
qA
rt Journal
q Journaling
Everyone
Readers
Nonreaders
Visit deepblue
kids.com/leaders to
join the community
find helpful weekly
Requires
preparation.
20
Deep Blue
Jump In!
the entire group.

Greet the children as they arrive. Mark each childs name on
the Attendance Chart.
Supplies: Activity 1a
Photocopy Mission Letter (Activity 1a) for children who were not present the
last two weeks.
Have children who have brought money place it in the offering basket.
SAY: This month we are collecting money for a special mission project.
ASK: What are we raising money for? (Heifer International)
SAY: Were collecting money to send to Heifer International. Heifer will use our
money to help people who do not have clean water. This project is a way to share
Gods love with others. Thank you for your gifts, which will improve the lives of
other people. You can bring an offering for our mission project next week, too.
Gi ft - W rapp i n g Race
Supplies: boxes of equal size, wrapping paper, scissors, tape
Divide the group into small teams or, if you have a small class, have the children
work individually.
Give each team a box, wrapping paper, scissors, and tape.
SAY: When I tell you to begin, I want you to work together to wrap your box.
Tell the children to begin, and encourage them to wrap their boxes.
When all boxes have been wrapped, judge the results. Award points for the quickest
wrapping job, the neatest wrapping job, the most creative wrapping job, and any
other categories you can think of.
SAY: Weve been talking about the gift of Jesus, which God gave to all people. Today
well hear the story of Jesus birth.
TIP
Instead of using empty
boxes, consider having
the children wrap boxes
of cereal and then
donate the cereal to a
local food bank.
To make the task more
challenging, place the
wrapping supplies on
the opposite side of the
room. Have teams send
one member at a time
across the room to get
each supply.
DeepBlueKids.com
21
Dive Deeper
De e p B l u e Bibl e Adventur e
SAY: Edgar, Asia, and Kat are continuing to set up their Nativity set in the tree
house. Lets see whom they add today.
Show the children the Session 3 video.
ASK: Who was added to the Nativity scene today? (Joseph and Jesus)
B i bl e Sto ry
Supplies: Activity 3a, Resource Pakpp. 12 & 13
Photocopy Jesus Is Born (Activity 3a).

Plan a route that you can travel while telling todays story, including five places to
stop. The route may go outside your classroom or simply around your room. Display
the Nativity Scene (Resource Pakpp. 12 & 13) at the final stop.
SAY: Todays Bible story is about a journey, and were going to take a journey while
we hear our story.
Have the children get up and follow you on the planned route to the first stop.
Read the first section of the story from Jesus Is Born, and discuss the questions in
italics.
Continue telling the story in this manner, traveling and then stopping to read the
next section and ask the questions.
Return to your classroom if your route has not ended there.
Ani m als A round the Manger

Supplies: Activity 3b, crayons
Photocopy Animals Around the Manger (Activity 3b) for each child.
SAY: The Bible tells us that after Jesus was born, Mary laid him in a manger. A
manger is a feeding trough for animals. The Bible doesnt mention that there were
animals around, but since Jesus bed was a manger, there might have been.
ASK: What animals do you think might have been around the manger when Jesus
was born? What do you think it might have sounded like if all those animals were
there?
Give each child a copy of Animals Around the Manger.
Invite each child to add animals to the picture and color it.
22
Deep Blue
Mapp i n g t h e J o ur ney
Supplies: Bibles, Activity 3c, rulers, pencils; optional: calculators
Photocopy Mapping the Journey (Activity 3c) for each child.
TIP
Answers: Nazareth,
Bethlehem, 70 miles, 23
hours and 20 minutes
Give each child a copy of Mapping the Journey and a pencil.

Encourage each child to complete the activity.
Pa i n t t h e Sto ry
Supplies: picture books about Jesus birth, paper, washable paint, brushes, paper or plastic
table covering, art smocks, water, small containers for water and paint
Cover the table with paper or plastic.

Pour a small amount of water into several containers for cleaning brushes.
Pour paint into small containers.
Have the children wear art smocks to protect their clothing.
Show the children the picture books.
SAY: Many people have illustrated Jesus birth. The truth is that none of us were
there, so we can only imagine the scene where Jesus was born.
TIP
Obtain a variety of
picture books about
Jesus birth. A trip
to the public library
should be helpful if your
church does not have a
childrens library. Try to
find books with a variety
of art styles.
Give each child a piece of paper, and invite him or her to paint a picture about the
Christmas story.
Let the pictures dry until it is time for closing worship.
Grow Stronger
Gi ft - o f - J e s u s or nam ent
Supplies: Activities 3d and 3e, cardstock, crayons, colored pencils, ribbon, glue sticks,
scissors, paper hole punch
Photocopy Ornament, Part 1 (Activity 3d) and Ornament, Part 2 (Activity 3e) onto
cardstock for each child.
SAY: This week well celebrate Christmas. As we celebrate with our families, its
good to remember that were celebrating Gods gift of Jesus. Today youll make an
ornament to hang on your Christmas tree that will help you remember the reason we
celebrate.
TIP
Older children may cut
the ornament pieces
out and use them as
patterns to make the
ornament out of craft
foam or construction
paper.
Give each child a copy of Ornament, Part 1 and Ornament, Part 2.

Encourage each child to color the ornament pieces by using crayons or colored
pencils.
Have each child cut out the four ornament pieces.
Show the children how to layer the ornament pieces to create a picture of baby
Jesus in the manger on top of the gift-box background. Glue the manger onto the
background first, then add the hay and then baby Jesus.
DeepBlueKids.com
23
Encourage each child to glue his or her ornament together.

Have each child use a paper punch to punch a hole in the top of the ornament.
Cut a piece of ribbon for each child to use to make a hanging loop for her or his
ornament.
Have each child thread the ribbon through the hole in the ornament and tie the ends
of the ribbon together.
Art J o u rn al
Supplies: Activity 3f, art journals, crayons, markers
Photocopy Art Journal: Jesus Is Born (Activity 3f) for each child.
SAY: Its time to add another page to your art journal.

Give each child a copy of Art Journal: Jesus Is Born.
Encourage each child to draw a picture of a gift he or she is giving to someone
this year for Christmas.
Invite children to add their pictures to their journals.
J o u rn ali n g
Supplies: Activity 3g, journals, pencils
Photocopy Journal: Jesus Is Born (Activity 3g) for each child.
SAY: Its time to add another page to your journal.

Give each child a copy of Journal: Jesus Is Born and a pencil.
Encourage each child to read the information and write answers to the questions.
Allow time for children to reflect and write.
Hand out the journals.
Invite the children to add this weeks page to their journals.
24
Deep Blue
Worship
Pr a i s e a n d P rayer
Supplies: Fall 2015 Resource Pakp. 12; Leaders Guidep. 26; Resource
Pakpp. 3, 9; CD-ROM and player, DVD and player, yellow tissue paper, tape, pictures
painted earlier in the lesson, scissors
Photocopy and cut out Talk About Jesus Is Born for each child.
Display the Advent Wreath poster (Fall Resource Pakp. 12), the December Bible
Verse Poster (Resource Pakp. 3), and the December Sign Language Poster
(Resource Pakp. 9) in your worship area.
Cut yellow tissue paper into a small square. Twist the paper to make it look like a
flame.
TIP
on pages 2324 of
the Winter 2015-16
the CD-ROM, and are
shown on the DVD.
Choose a child to tape a tissue-paper flame on the fourth purple candle on the
Advent Wreath poster. Play the song Gods Greatest Gift of All (CD-ROM) as the
child lights the candle.
ASK: How many of our Advent candles are lit this week? (four)
SAY: All of the purple candles on our wreath are lit today, and that means
Christmas is coming this week.
Show the children the Bible Verse Poster. Encourage the readers to read the verse
with you.
Review the sign language for the Bible verse on the December Bible Verse Poster.
Have each child get the picture she or he painted earlier.
Invite the children to take turns showing their pictures to the class and telling the
class about what they painted.
Encourage the children to be affirming of one anothers artwork.
ASK: As we celebrate Christmas with your families this week, what are some ways
we can help our families remember that were celebrating Gods gift of Jesus?
Invite children to share their ideas, offering suggestions to get them started if you
need to. (Could you have a birthday celebration for Jesus? Could you read the story
of Jesus birth with your family?)
PRAY: God, were excited about once again celebrating Jesus birth. Thank you for
loving us so much that you gave us the gift of Jesus. Amen.
Send home Talk About Jesus Is Born with each child. Encourage parents to talk
about todays story with their children.
DeepBlueKids.com
25
Talk About Jesus Is Born

Luke 2:1-7
Use these questions to talk about todays Bible story at home.
How, do you think, did Mary feel when she had to sleep in a stable?
How, do you think, did she feel when baby Jesus was born?
How, do you think, did Joseph feel?
Say the Bible verse together.
Pray.
26
Deep Blue
SESSION 4
Joyous News
Bible Verse
manger. (Luke 2:12)
Before You Begin
lthough we hear the story every year, the message of the Christmas story
remains inspiring and empowering. God did not choose to make a flashy and
attention-gathering entrance. Instead God chose to reveal Gods presence with us
through the birth of a baby born in humble circumstances. The shepherds were the
first to receive the news of Jesus birth.
December 27
Bible Story
Luke 2:8-20
Anchor Point
all people.
Your Lesson
qA
ssemble the Crew
qM
ake a Shepherds
Head Covering
qM
ission Moment
Weve heard of the shepherds visit to Bethlehem so many times that we may fail
to realize how surprising and unusual it was. Although the term shepherd evokes calm,
pastoral scenes in our minds, at the time of Jesus birth shepherding was a despised
occupation. Shepherds were on the fringes of society, looked down upon as shiftless
and untrustworthy people. Shepherds often slept outside with their flocks. Imagine
how they must have smelled! Yet it was these shepherds who were the first to receive
the news of Jesus birth.
qD
eep Blue Bible
Adventure
The shepherds received the news of Jesus birth from an angel. One can imagine
that the sudden appearance of an angel and then an entire heavenly host must have
caused some trembling. In response to the surprising angelic announcement, the
shepherds hurried off to Bethlehem to find Mary, Joseph, and the child
of whom they had been told. Once they had seen the baby, the
shepherds went and told the news to others. This news was
far too wonderful to be kept to oneself!
q Hear the Good News
When your children gather this week, they will have

already celebrated Christmas. For children the
celebration of Christmas is often equated with the
presents they have received. Help your children focus on
the joy of Christmas and the experience of celebrating.
Also be sensitive to those children in your class
for whom Christmas may be a sad or difficult
time for whatever reason. Emphasize that
the Good News of Gods gift of Jesus is for
everyone. And even now, many years after
Jesus birth, this is a cause for celebration.
qM
ake Puppets
q P ractice the Bible
Story
qB
ible Story
q F ix the Story
qR
eview the Story
qA
rt Journal
q Journaling
Everyone
Readers
Nonreaders
Visit deepblue
kids.com/leaders to
join the community
find helpful weekly
Requires
preparation.
DeepBlueKids.com
27
Jump In!
the entire group.

Wear your shepherds head covering (see below) as you
greet the children.
Ma k e a S h e pher ds Head Covering

Supplies: fabric, scissors, twine or yarn, small doll wrapped in fabric
Hide the doll somewhere in your room.

Cut the fabric into pieces approximately 20 inches by 18 inches. The fabric pieces
do not have to be all the same size.
Cut the twine or yarn into 30-inch lengths, one for each child.
Make a head covering for yourself to wear.
SAY: You may have noticed that I have something on my head today.
ASK: What does my head covering remind you of? (shepherds)
SAY: In Bible times, shepherds wore a covering to protect their heads. We are going
to make head coverings to wear today as we talk about shepherds.
Invite each child to choose a piece of fabric and place it on her or his head.
Tie a piece of twine or yarn around each childs head to keep the head covering in
place.
Encourage the children to wear their head coverings during the remainder of the
class.
Say: Shepherds were the first ones to hear about Jesus birth. After the angels told
them Jesus had been born in Bethlehem, they immediately went to find him. I have
hidden a small doll in our room. Lets see if we can find it.
Have the children search for the doll.
28
Deep Blue
Supplies: offering basket
SAY: This month we have been collecting money for a special mission project.
ASK: What are we raising money for? (Heifer International) What does Heifer
International do? (work to end poverty and hunger around the world)
SAY: This is our last Sunday to collect money for this months mission project, Heifer
International. Heifer will use our money to help people who do not have clean water.
Have children who have brought money place it in the offering basket.
SAY: Thank you for your gifts that will improve the lives of other people. Today
during our worship time, we will dedicate the offering you have given this month.
Dive Deeper
De e p B l u e Bi bl e Advent ur e
SAY: Asia, Edgar, and Kat are still setting up the Nativity scene in their tree house.
Lets watch and see how Indie helps today.
ASK: Who was added to the Nativity scene today? (sheep and shepherds) How did
the shepherds find out about the birth of Jesus? (from an angel)
Ma ke P u ppe t s
Supplies: Resource Pakp. 5, large craft sticks, tape
SAY: Youre going to make stick puppets that well use when we tell our story today.
Have the children work together to punch out the Storytelling Puppets (Resource
Pakp. 5).
Encourage the children to tape a craft stick to the back of each puppet.
Pr act i c e t h e B ibl e Story

Photocopy Joyous News (Activity 4a) for each child.
SAY: For todays Bible story, youre going to read the story while the rest of the class
acts out the story by using stick puppets.
TIP
If you have more than
three children, the
roles of Narrator and
Shepherd may be split.
If you have older
children who do not
feel comfortable
reading in front of
the class, they may
help make the stick
puppets.
DeepBlueKids.com
29
Give each child a copy of Joyous News, and assign the parts of Narrator, Angel, and
Shepherd.
Let the children know that after each section is read, there will be a pause for the
story to be acted out by the stick puppets.
Encourage the children to practice reading the story.
B i bl e Sto ry
Photocopy Joyous News (Activity 4a) for each child.

Have the children who made the puppets sit on the floor and lay all of the puppets
face up in front of them.
Have the children who are reading the story sit facing the other children.
SAY: Our Bible story today tells about the first people to hear of Jesus birth. Were
going to work together to tell our story today. Some of you will read the story, and
the rest of us will act it out with the puppets weve made.
Encourage the children who have prepared to read the story to read it, pausing
where indicated for the puppets.
After each section is read, encourage the younger children to work together and
take turns acting out that section of the story with the stick puppets.
Thank all of the children for helping tell todays story.
SAY: The birth of Jesus is very good news! The shepherds did not keep the news of
Jesus birth to themselves. They shared the Good News.
H e a r t h e G ood News
Supplies: Activity 4b, crayons or cotton balls and glue
Photocopy Hear the Good News (Activity 4b) for each child.
Give each child a copy of Hear the Good News.
SAY: This is a picture of the angels delivering the news of Jesus birth to the shepherds.
Have each child color the picture.
ASK: What is missing from this picture? (sheep)

Encourage each child to add sheep to the picture by drawing with crayons or gluing
on cotton balls.
Fi x t h e Sto ry
Supplies: Bibles, Activity 4c, pencils
Photocopy A Mixed-Up Story (Activity 4c) for each child.

Give each child a copy of A Mixed-Up Story and a pencil.
Encourage each child to read through the story and circle any words that seem not
to belong.
30
Deep Blue
Have the children look up Luke 2:8-20 in their Bibles.

Encourage the children to work together to replace each word that does not belong
in the story with the correct word.
Grow Stronger
R e v i e w t h e Story
Supplies: Activities 4d and 4e, scissors
Photocopy Christmas Story Review, Part 1 (Activity 4d) and Christmas Story
Review, Part 2 (Activity 4e). Cut the review cards apart.
SAY: Weve been hearing the Christmas story all month. Lets review what weve
learned.
Place the review cards face down. Invite six children to each draw a review card.
TIP
If you have fewer than
six children, have the
children work together
to assemble the review
cards in order on the
table.
Have the children with the cards stand in front of the class, holding their cards so
that the class may see them.
SAY: Some of these cards belong in the Christmas story, and some do not.
Have the children who are not holding cards identify the children holding the two
pictures that do not belong in the Christmas story. Have those two children sit down.
SAY: These cards tell the Christmas story, but it doesnt look like they are in order.
Have the children who are not holding cards tell the cardholders whom to switch
places with in order to put the story in the correct order.
Once the story is in the correct order, invite each cardholder to tell the part of the
story shown on his or her card.
Art Jo u rn al
Photocopy Art Journal: Joyous News (Activity 4f) for each child.
SAY: It is time to add another page to your art journal.

Give each child a copy of Art Journal: Joyous News.
Encourage each child to draw a picture of someone he or she can tell about Jesus.
Hand out the art journals. Invite the children to add their pictures to their journals.
J o urn ali n g
Photocopy Journal: Joyous News (Activity 4g) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Journal: Joyous News and a pencil.
DeepBlueKids.com
31
Worship
Pr a i s e a n d P r ayer
Supplies: Fall 2015 Resource Pakp. 12; Resource Pakpp. 3, 9; Leaders
Guidep. 33; CD-ROM and player; DVD and player; yellow tissue paper; tape; offering
collected for Heifer project
Photocopy and cut out Talk About Joyous News (Leaders Guidep. 33) for each
child.
Display the Advent Wreath poster (Fall Resource Pakp. 12), the December Bible
Verse Poster (Resource Pakp. 3), and the December Sign Language Poster
(Resource Pakp. 9) in your worship area.
Choose a child to tape a tissue-paper flame on the Christ candle in the middle of
the Advent wreath. Play the song Gods Greatest Gift of All (CD-ROM) as the
child pretends to light the candle.
TIP
on pages 23-24 of
the Winter 2015-16
the CD-ROM, and are
shown on the DVD.
SAY: Weve been lighting candles on our Advent wreath this month as we have
waited for Christmas. Now our waiting is over. Today we light the Christ candle to
remind ourselves that Jesus was born and we celebrate his birth.
Invite the children to read the verse on the December Bible Verse Poster together
with you.
Review the signs on the December Sign Language Poster. Encourage the
children to sign and say the Bible verse with you several times.
SAY: This is our final week this month of collecting money for Heifer International.
Hold the offering basket up. If you can, let the children know how much money was
collected this month.
SAY: As we pray today, I invite you to stretch an arm out toward our offering basket
as we bless our offering for Heifer Project.
PRAY: God, we ask your blessing on each child here and on the offerings that have
been given. Bless those who benefit from these gifts, that they may know your love.
We give you thanks once again for the gift of Jesus. Amen.
Send home Talk About Joyous News with each child. Encourage parents to talk
TIP
Give the offering to
your church treasurer
to send to:
Heifer International
1 World Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72202
The check should be
made out to Heifer
International, with
attn: donor services
written on the memo
line. You may also
donate at heifer.org.
32
Deep Blue
Talk About Joyous News

Luke 2:8-20
How, do you think, did the shepherds feel when they saw the angel?
How, do you think, did the shepherds feel when they saw baby Jesus?
Whom can you tell about the birth of Jesus?
Pray:
MATT
A Mixed-up Story
Answers
Mixed-up Story
Activity 4c
streets: fields
Antarctica: heaven
sheepdogs: sheep
digestion: peace
spotlights: glory
engineers: angels
anteater: angel
choir: shepherds
sad: good
next: right
unhappy: joyous
year: now
cousin: savior
Margaret: Mary
cymbal: sign
Jonathan: Joseph
sleepy: newborn
sand: manger
teenager: baby
crying: amazed
hammock: manger
Melissa: Mary
elephant: angel
sheep: shepherds
4c
Something is not quite right with the following story about the shepherds.
Circle each word that you think does not belong in the story. Find the correct story
in Luke 2:8-20.
Nearby shepherds were living in the streets, guarding their

sheepdogs at night. The Lords spotlights shone around them, and
they were terrified.
The anteater said, Dont be afraid! Look! I bring sad news to
you wonderful, unhappy news for all people. Your cousin is born
today in Davids city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a cymbal for
you: you will find a sleepy teenager wrapped snugly and lying in
a hammock. Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces
was with the elephant praising God. They said, Glory to God in
Antarctica, and on earth digestion among those whom he favors.
When the engineers returned to heaven, the choir said to each
other, Lets go next year to Bethlehem and see whats happened.
Lets confirm what the Lord has revealed to us. They went
quickly and found Margaret and Jonathon, and the baby lying
in the sand. When they saw this, they reported what they had
been told about this child. Everyone who heard it was crying at
to memory and considered them carefully. The sheep returned
home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.
Everything happened just as they had been told.
DeepBlueKids.com
For Readers
Session 4, December 27
33
SESSION 5
January 3
Follow the Star
Bible Story
Bible Verse
Matthew 2:1-12
You are my Son, whom I dearly love. (Luke 3:22)
Anchor Point
Before You Begin
ast month we looked at the Christmas story as told in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus
humble beginnings combined with the announcement of his birth to the shepherds
sent a message that God identified with persons who are poor or on the outskirts of
society. Todays story from the Gospel of Matthew also conveys the message that God
sent Jesus for everyone, but it does so from a different perspective. The magi were
Gentiles, or non-Jews, traveling from the east and searching for Jesus. The magi, or wise
men, had not been waiting for the birth of the Messiah for hundreds of years as the
Jews had. Rather, they came because they were astrologers who had seen a new star.
They believed that the appearance of a new star meant a king had been born, and they
were curious. They were searching for this new king.
The magis search for the new king led them to the current leader, King Herod. From
King Herods chief priests and scribes, they learned of Micahs prophecy that a new
leader was to be born in Bethlehem. They also received a request from King Herod to
report back to him when they found the one they were looking for.
After their interaction with King Herod, the magi continued on their journey
following the star that led them to Bethlehem. Matthew tells us that when the star
stopped, the magi were filled with joy (Matthew 2:10). Even though the
magi had not been anticipating the birth of the Messiah as the Jews
had, they experienced the same joyful response to Jesus birth
we saw from the shepherds. The magi acted on their feelings
of joy by worshiping Jesus and offering him gifts. The last
we hear of the magi is their choice to ignore King Herods
request to report back to him and instead to heed the
warning they received in a dream and to return home by a
different route.
God chose Jesus; Jesus

chose God.
Your Lesson
qA
ssemble the Crew
qW
hats That Word?
q Follow-the-Star
Obstacle Course
qD
eep Blue Bible
Adventure
qB
ible Story
q S andpaper Stars
q Headline News
q T alk About It
qA
rt Journal
q Journal
Everyone
Readers
Nonreaders
Visit deepblue
kids.com/leaders to
join the community
find helpful weekly
Spend some time reflecting on the magi. God

chose to send Jesus to everyone, even those who
had not been waiting for his arrival and werent
fully aware of whom they were seeking. Like
the magi, we receive the news of Jesus birth
with joy and honor him with gifts. Help your
children understand that although we cannot
bring gifts to Jesus in person as the magi did, we
can still honor Jesus with our gifts. Following Jesus
teachings is perhaps the best gift we can give.
Requires
preparation.
34
Deep Blue
One Room Sunday School Leaders Guide January 3
Jump In!
the entire group.

W hat s T h at Wo r d?
Supplies: mural paper, scissors, crayons, markers
Cut a large piece of mural paper. Write the word Epiphany in large letters in the
middle of the paper. Place the mural paper where children can write and draw on it.
SAY: I have written a big word on this paperEpiphany. What do you think this word
means?
Invite each child to write or draw his or her guess of the meaning of Epiphany.
SAY: Well talk more about this word when we hear our Bible story today.
Follo w - t h e - Star Obstacle Co urse

Supplies: Activity 5b; Resource Pakp. 15; CD-ROM; CD player; scissors; tape;
objects to set up an obstacle course, such as chairs, tables, hula hoops, and pool noodles
Make a copy of Star Pattern (Activity 5b). Cut out the star shape.
Set up an obstacle course, using objects in the room. For example, you might set up
several chairs the children have to walk around or crawl over, followed by a couple
of hula hoops lying on the floor that have to be stepped in or jumped in, followed by
a table that must be crawled under or walked around, and so forth.
Display the The Magi Visit Jesus (Resource Pakp. 15) at the end of the course.
Show the children the obstacle course.
ASK: Do you remember what led the magi to Jesus? (a star)

Choose one child to be the star. Tape the star on the childs back.
SAY: Today you are magi, and you must follow the star to find Jesus. Youll follow
the star through the obstacle course. When the star comes to an obstacle, such as
chairs, the star gets to decide how to get past that obstacle. Walk around the chairs,
or crawl over the chairs? You must follow what the star does.
DeepBlueKids.com
35
Play the song Three Wise Men (CD-ROM) as the children play the game.
Encourage the child with the star to lead the rest of the class through the obstacle
course to the poster.
Once everyone has made it through the course, have the children return to the
starting point (without going back through the obstacles).
If time permits, choose a new child to be the star and let the class go through the
course again.
Dive Deeper
De e p Bl u e Bibl e Advent ur e
SAY: There are still a few Nativity figures in the box at the tree house. Lets watch
and see whom Edgar, Kat, and Asia find today.
B i bl e Sto ry
Supplies: Activity 5a, Epiphany mural made earlier
Photocopy Follow the Star (Activity 5a) for each child.
SAY: Today I need your help to tell the Bible Story.

Give each child a copy of Follow the Star.
SAY: Youll notice that some of the words in the story have been replaced with
pictures. As I read the story, I will pause when I come to a picture so that you can fill
in the word for me.
Go over the picture key, so that the children know what words to say.
Read the story, Follow the Star, pausing at each picture for the children to say the
words.
TIP
Thank the children for
helping with the story.
ASK: What were the magi searching for? (Jesus) How did the magi find out about
Jesus birth? (They saw a new star.) How is this different from how the shepherds
found out about Jesus birth? (An angel told the shepherds.)
SAY: Another difference between the shepherds and the magi was that the magi
were not Jewish. They had not been waiting for hundreds of years for a Savior to be
born as the Jews had. And yet they searched for Jesus and worshipped him when
they saw him. God chose Jesus to be a gift for all peoplemagi, shepherds, and us!
ASK: Why did King Herod ask the magi to come back and tell him when they found
the baby? (He was afraid. He wanted to harm Jesus.) Did the magi do what Herod
asked? (No, they went home by a different road.) Why? (God warned them in a
dream not to return to Herod.)
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Deep Blue
SAY: Like the shepherds, seeing Jesus changed the magi. They honored him with
gifts, and then they listened to the message God gave them in a dream.
SAY: Earlier some of you made guesses about the meaning of the word Epiphany.
Read some of the guesses from the mural.
SAY: The word Epiphany means to show. Jesus birth was shown to the magi, and
Epiphany is the day we celebrate the Magis visit to Jesus. Epiphany is the twelfth
day of Christmas, January 6, and it signals the end of the Christmas season. This
Wednesday will be Epiphany.
Sa ndpap e r Star s
Supplies: Activities 5b and 5c, sandpaper, cardstock, scissors, crayons, cinnamon sticks,
plastic or paper table covering
Make several copies of Star Pattern (Activity 5b) on cardstock. Cut out the stars
for the children to use as patterns.
Photocopy Gifts for a King (Activity 5c).
Protect the work area with paper or plastic covering.
SAY: Today were talking about the magi. Youre going to make a picture to remind
yourself of the magi visiting Jesus.
Give each child a piece of sandpaper.
Encourage each child to place a star pattern on his or her sandpaper and hold it in
place while tracing around the shape with a crayon.
Have each child remove the star pattern.
Encourage each child to color his or her sandpaper around the outside of the star
shape.
ASK: Why does a star remind us of the magi? (They followed a star to find Jesus.)
TIP
Younger children may
need help holding the
star pattern in place
while tracing around it.
SAY: The magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor Jesus.
Frankincense and myrrh are both fragrant and aromatic. That means they both
have a recognizable smell. Were going to add to your pictures a scent that you will
recognize.
Invite the children to smell the cinnamon sticks.
Give each child a cinnamon stick.
Encourage each child to rub the cinnamon stick over his or her sandpaper inside the
star shape.
SAY: Now the smell of your picture can remind you of the gifts the magi brought to
Jesus.
As each child finishes a sandpaper star, give him or her a copy of Gifts for a King.
Encourage the children to draw in the gifts the magi brought and color the rest of
the picture.
DeepBlueKids.com
37
H e adl i n e N ews
Supplies: Bibles, Activities 5d and 5e, pencils
Photocopy Headline News (Activity 5d) and Who Said It? (Activity 5e) for each
child.
Give each child a copy of Headline News and a pencil.
SAY: Weve heard the stories of Christmas many times. Through the years, the Bible
stories have been added to and modified by tradition. Sometimes its difficult to
remember exactly what the Bible says.
Encourage each child to read the information and write a headline. Invite the
children to show their headlines to one another.
Give each child a copy of Who Said It? Have each child complete the quiz.
If the children need help, encourage them to use their Bibles.
Grow Stronger
talk abo u t it
ASK: What gifts did the magi give to Jesus? (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) Why
did the magi give gifts to Jesus? (to honor him)
SAY: We want to honor Jesus with our gifts too, but it would be hard for us to give
Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
ASK: What gifts might we give to Jesus?
Allow time for the children to share their ideas.
SAY: We can give money when we bring our offering each week, but we can also give
the gift of ourselves. Whenever we give our time to help someone else, that is like
giving Jesus a gift. Anytime we show love to someone, we honor Jesus.
Encourage the children to think of things they can do to show love to others: being
a friend, giving a hug, cleaning their room, and reading a book to another child.
Art J o u rn al
Photocopy Art Journal: Follow the Star (Activity 5f) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Art Journal: Follow the Star.
SAY: Weve just talked about many ways we can honor Jesus. When we share Gods
love with other people, that is a way we can give a gift to Jesus.
Encourage each child to draw a picture of a gift he or she can give to Jesus.
38
Deep Blue
Have each child add her or his name to the gift tag.
J ou rn al
Photocopy Journal: Follow the Star (Activity 5g) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Journal: Follow the Star and a pencil.
Hand out the journals. Invite children to add this weeks page to their journals.
Worship
P r a i s e a n d P ray
Supplies: Resource Pakpp. 4, 10; Leaders Guidep. 40; CD-ROM or DVD and player
Photocopy and cut out Talk About Follow the Star (Leaders Guidep. 40) for each
child.
Display the January Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pakp. 4) and the January Sign
Language Poster (Resource Pakp. 10) in your worship area.
SAY: It is a new month, and we have a new song.

Play this months song, God Chose Jesus (DVD or CD-ROM), and encourage the
children to sing and move along with the music.
SAY: At Christmas we celebrate that God chose to send Jesus into the world. This is
something we need to remember not only at Christmas but all the time.
TIP
the CD-ROM, and are
shown on the DVD.
Show the children the Bible Verse Poster. Have readers read the verse with you.
ASK: Who is talking in this verse? (GodJesus is Gods Son.)

Teach children the Sign Language for the Bible Verse. Encourage all children to sign
and say the Bible Verse with you several times.
SAY: This week, remember to look for ways to honor Jesus by sharing Gods love.
PRAY: God, we thank you for stories that remind us of your gift of Jesus for all
people. We want to honor Jesus by giving the gift of our time and ourselves. Help us
to find ways to share your love. Amen.
Send home Talk About Follow the Star with each child. Encourage parents to talk
DeepBlueKids.com
39
Talk About Follow the Star

Matthew 2:1-12
H
ow, do you think, did the wise men feel when they saw the star?
How, do you think, did the wise men feel when they found Jesus?
How, do you think, did Mary feel when the wise men offered their gifts?
What gift can you give to Jesus?

Pray:
Thank you, God, for your Son, Jesus. Amen.
God chose Jesus. Jesus chose God.
Answers
Who Said It?
Activity 5e
1. I
2. C
3. R
4. E
5. O
6. A
7. N
8. F
9. P
P
__ __
R __
I N
__ C__ E__
9 3 1 7 2 4
O
__ F__
5 8
P__ E
__ A__ C__ E __
9 4 6 2 4
40
Deep Blue
SESSION 6
Jesus Is Baptized
January 10
Bible Verse
Bible Story
Before You Begin
t has been several weeks since we read about the birth of Elizabeth and Zechariahs
son, John. After Elizabeth gave birth to her son and she and Zechariah named him John,
their neighbors wondered, What then will this child be? (Luke 1:66) Thirty years later,
John was in the wilderness baptizing people in the river Jordan and exhorting people
to acknowledge their sin and accept Gods forgiveness. John encouraged people to be
baptized to show that they had changed their hearts.
Some people questioned whether John was the Christ, but John told them that one
more powerful than he was coming. John was speaking, of course, of Jesus, who
John claimed was so much greater than John was that he was not worthy to untie the
thong of Jesus sandals. Untying sandals was a servants job. John used this imagery
to say that he was not worthy even of being Jesus servant.
Though each of the four Gospels tell of Jesus baptism, each Gospel writer treats
it differently. In Luke, the actual baptism of Jesus is only referred to, not described.
Luke spends the first twenty verses of the third chapter talking about John the
Baptist and his ministry. It is only after describing Johns death when Luke takes two
verses to mention Jesus baptism: When everyone was being baptized, Jesus also
was baptized (Luke 3:21). Although it is implied, Luke does not specifically mention
that it was John who baptized Jesus.
In Matthew and Mark, the Holy Spirit, in the form of a
dove, descended on Jesus as he emerged from the water
following his baptism. In Luke, the Spirit descended on
Jesus while he was praying. Accompanying the Spirit, a
voice from heaven declared, You are my Son, whom
I dearly love (Luke 3:22). This heavenly declaration
affirms Jesus as Gods Son. Gods blessing also serves
as a model for those of us who work with children. All
children benefit from affirmations of love. This
weeks lesson provides an opportunity for
you to remind the children in your class that
God loves themGod has chosen them
just as God chose Jesus. And then remind
them that you love them too. As you discuss
baptism, be sensitive to those children who
have not been baptized yet. Assure them that it
is not baptism that makes us children of God.
God has already chosen each of us.
Luke 3:1-22
Anchor Point
chose God.
Your Lesson
qA
ssemble the Crew
qW
ater Relay
qM
any Uses for Water
qW
hat Happened
Next?
qD
eep Blue Bible
Adventures
qB
ible Story
qD
escending Doves
qG
od Chose Jesus
qW
hat Has Changed?
qA
rt Journal
q Journaling
Everyone
Readers
Nonreaders
Visit deepblue
kids.com/leaders to
join the community
find helpful weekly
Requires
preparation.
DeepBlueKids.com
41
Jump In!
the entire group.
Ass e mble t h e Cr ew

Wat e r R e lay
Supplies: one-gallon jugs, water, masking tape
Fill four one-gallon jugs with water, and secure the lids tightly.
Use the masking tape to mark two lines on the floor, on opposite sides of the room.
Place the water jugs on one of the lines.
Divide the group into two teams, and have each team line up behind the line without
the water jugs.
Have the first child in each teams line cross the room, pick up two water jugs, and
bring them back to the starting line.
Have the next child in each teams line pick up the two water jugs and carry them
back to the other side of the room.
Continue the relay until every child on each team has carried the water. If one
team has fewer players, a child on the other team should carry the water twice.
SAY: In some places in the world, all of the water that is used must be obtained
from a well and carried to where it is needed.
TIP
If a child is unable
to carry two jugs of
water at the same
time, he or she may
have assistance from
another child.
SAY: Water plays a significant role in our Bible story today.

ASK: What Bible stories do you remember about water?
Ma n y U s e s f or Wat er
Photocopy Many Uses for Water (Activity 6b) for each child.
SAY: Water is important. We use it for many things.

ASK: What do you use water for?
42
Deep Blue
Give each child a copy of Many Uses for Water.
SAY: This page shows several ways water is used, but something is missing.
ASK: What is missing in each picture? (the water)
Encourage each child to add water to the pictures and color the rest of the page.
W hat Happ e n ed Nex t ?

Supplies: Activity 6c, pencils
Photocopy What Happened Next? (Activity 6c) for each child.

Give each child a copy of What Happened Next? and a pencil.
Encourage each child to complete the puzzle.
Dive Deeper
De e p B lue Bibl e Advent ur e
SAY: Today Kat, Asia, and Edgar are having a picnic. Lets watch and see what they
are talking about.
ASK: Who baptized Jesus? (John the Baptist)
B ibl e Sto ry
Photocopy Jesus Is Baptized (Activity 6a) for each child to take home.
SAY: Last month we heard about the birth of Jesus. We also heard about the birth of
John, who was Elizabeth and Zechariahs son. In todays Bible story, both Jesus and
John were adults. John became known as John the Baptist, or John the Baptizer. As
you listen to me read the story, each time I say, John, I want you to say, the Baptist.
Read the story from Jesus is Baptized, pausing each time you say, John, so that the
children can respond.
ASK: Why were people asking John to baptize them? (to show they had changed
their hearts and lives) What happened after Jesus was baptized? (The Spirit
descended on him like a dove, and a voice from heaven spoke.)
SAY: When Jesus was baptized, God affirmed that Jesus was Gods Son. God also
claims each one of us as a child of God. By choosing to be baptized, Jesus was
showing that he chose to follow God. Each one of us also chooses whether we follow
God.
DeepBlueKids.com
43
ASK: Have any of you been baptized?

SAY: Some people are baptized when they are babies, and some people are baptized
when they are older. Every one of us is a child of God, whether or not we have
been baptized yet. And we can choose to follow God whether or not we have been
baptized.
De sc e n din g Doves
Supplies: Activity 6d, plastic drinking straws, scissors, markers, tape, string
Photocopy Dove Pattern (Activity 6d) for each child.

Cut the straws into three-inch pieces.
SAY: When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove. Were
going to make descending doves.
Give each child a copy of Dove Pattern, and have him or her cut out the dove.
Have each child write her or his name on the dove.
Encourage each child to tape a piece of straw to the dove. The straw should be
placed so that it runs from head to tail.
Invite the children to partner up.
Have each pair of children cut a long piece of string.
Have one child in each pair thread his or her string through the straw attached to his
or her dove.
Encourage the children to work together to make the dove glide along the string.
One child should hold the string high while the other holds the string low.
Let the other child in each pair have a turn putting her or his dove on the string.
Have the children save their doves to be used during closing worship.
G o d C h o s e J esus
Supplies: Resource Pakpp. 4, 10
Display the January Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pakp. 4) and the January Sign
Language Poster (Resource Pakp. 10).
SAY: This months Bible verse is from todays story.

Review the sign language for the Bible verse with the children.
Have the children sign and say the Bible verse with you.
ASK: Who is speaking in this verse? (a voice from heavenGod) Whom is God
speaking to? (Jesus)
Have the children sign and say the Bible verse with you again.
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Grow Stronger
W hat Has C h anged?
Supplies: a variety of dress-up items such as colorful scarves, sunglasses, large jackets,
and belts
SAY: When John the Baptist preached, he told people they should change their
hearts. Were going to play a game to see how good you are at detecting change.
Invite one child to dress up by using several of the items provided.
Once the child is dressed, have him or her stand in front of the other children and
model the outfit.
SAY: Take a good look, so that you can remember how [childs name] is dressed.
Have the child leave the area and change one thing about her or his appearance.
For example, a child may change to wearing a different colored scarf or take off
sunglasses or add a belt.
Invite the child to model the outfit once more.
Have the rest of the children figure out what has changed.
Allow several children an opportunity to dress up. If the game becomes too easy,
have the model change multiple things about his or her outfit.
SAY: You did a good job detecting these changes.

ASK: Do you think you could tell if someone changed his or her heart? Why, or why
not? What does changing your heart mean?
SAY: Changing your heart means deciding to live differently. While a change of heart
doesnt change a persons physical appearance, it should change ones actions.
Art J o u rn al
Photocopy Art Journal: Jesus Is Baptized (Activity 6f) for each child.
SAY: It is time to add another page to your art journal.

Give each child a copy of Art Journal: Jesus Is Baptized.
Encourage children to draw pictures of how it makes them feel to know God loves
them.
Invite the children to add their pictures to their journals.
DeepBlueKids.com
45
J o u rn alin g
Photocopy Journal: Jesus Is Baptized (Activity 6g) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Journal: Jesus Is Baptized and a pencil.
Hand out the journals.
Invite children to add this weeks page to their journals.
Worship
Pr ais e a n d Pr ayer
Supplies: Activity 6e, Leaders Guidep. 47, CD-ROM or DVD and player,
descending doves made earlier, string, scissors
Photocopy and cut out Talk About Jesus Is Baptized (Leaders Guidep. 47) for
each child. Make one copy of Child-of-God Certificate (Activity 6e) for each child.
Fill out a certificate for each child, filling in the childs name.
TIP
the CD-ROM, and are
shown on the DVD.
Cut a piece of string long enough to hold all of the childrens doves.
Have the children find their doves and stand in a circle.
SAY: As our song says, God chose Jesus. God chooses us too!
Invite each child to put his or her dove on the string.
As each child puts a dove on the string, say to her or him, God loves you, (childs
name) and give the child the certificate you have prepared.
When all of the children have put their doves on the string, tie the ends of the
string together.
SAY: Now all of our doves are connected to one another by this piece of string. Just
like the string is connecting our doves, being children of God connects us all.
Hang the string of doves up in your classroom to have a visual reminder of todays
lesson.
PRAY: God, thank you for loving us and choosing us to be your children. We choose
to follow you. Amen.
Send home Talk About Jesus Is Baptized with each child. Encourage parents to
talk about todays story with their children.
46
Deep Blue
Talk About Jesus Is Baptized

Luke 3:1-22
How, do you think, did John feel when Jesus came to be baptized?
H
ow, do you think, did Jesus feel when he saw the dove and heard God
say, You are my Son, whom I dearly love?

Pray.
Answers
What Happened Next?
What6c
Happened Next?
Activity
6c
that God chose Jesus. Solve the puzzle to discover what two things happened.
1)
____
____ ____
T ____
H ____
E ____
S ____
P ____
I ____
R ____
I ____
T ____
C ____
A ____
M ____
E ____
D ____
OW
N ____
L ____
I ____
K ____
E _____
A ____
D ____
O ____
V ____
E
2)
that appear three times in each column on the line below to discover the second important
thing that happened.
____
____ M
____ H
____ ____
T ____
H ____
E ____
R ____
E ____
W ____
A ____
S ____
A ____
V ____
O ____
I ____
C ____
E ____
F ____
R O
E _____
A ____
V ____
E ____
N
T G U J K X Y X A T Z G K J U Y
L S K B K H F H M U W P D J Z O
D A E Q E Q M A L Z O B V G K U
H H I E B G R P W O S I M E N B
R P G R A O A P B F E N M N F X
Winter 201516
Session
I W
S B6 P W D S N Y I G A A U R
E V B P O D R Z Y X K J A D P R
A
O
Y
F
Y
B
J
E
H
M
S
S
I
Q
T
A
Y
Z
O
H
E
V I P O W
M A B L D
C D E X F
X Q J D S
B P U E U
EDeepBlueKids.com
C P M N
U V R C Y
47
SESSION 7
January 17
Jesus Chooses
Bible Story
Bible Verse
Luke 4:1-13
Anchor Point
Before You Begin
he story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness underscores his humanity. The
birth narratives emphasize that God sent Gods Son into the world to experience
being fully human. The temptation story reminds us of Jesus continued humanity. The
way in which Jesus in human form dealt with temptation can be an example for us.
In this situation and throughout Jesus ministry, its apparent that Jesus has been
raised in the Jewish faith. Jesus was familiar with Jewish Scripture and referred to it
often in his teaching. All of his responses to his tempter in the wilderness came from
Scripture. When tempted to turn stones into bread, Jesus replied with words from
Deuteronomy 8:3, People wont live only by bread. In Deuteronomy these words
refer to the experience of the Israelites being fed manna in the wilderness. When
Jesus was tempted with power and offered of all the kingdoms of the world, he
responded with words based on Deuteronomy 6:13, You will worship the Lord your
God and serve only him.

chose God.
Your Lesson
qA
ssemble the Crew
q P aint a Rock
qW
ould You
Rather . . . ?
qD
eep Blue Bible
Adventure
qB
ible Story
qM
aking a Good
Choice
The tempter, seeing what Jesus was doing, attempted to beat him at the Scripture
game. In tempting Jesus to throw himself off of the highest point in the Temple, the
tempter quoted Psalm 91:11-12, saying, [God] will command his angels concerning you,
to protect you and they will take you up in their hands so that you
wont hit your foot on a stone. Jesus did not deny these words
but pointed out that it was also written, Dont test the
Lord your God (Deuteronomy 6:16).
q Sayings-of-Jesus
Cube
Are we then to go around quoting Scripture in order

to resist temptation? While this might work in some
situations, to do so entirely would be missing the point.
Jesus had studied Scripture. He had been raised in the
faith and was therefore prepared to face temptation.
He had a solid foundation and understanding
upon which to draw. A strong foundation on
the Word of God is what you are helping
build as you teach Sunday school. Such a
foundation will help children make good
choices when faced with temptation in their
own lives.
qM
aking Good
Choices
qA
rt Journal
q Journaling
Everyone
Readers
Nonreaders
Visit deepblue
kids.com/leaders to
join the community
find helpful weekly
Requires
preparation.
48
Deep Blue
Jump In!
the entire group.

Pa i n t a R o c k
Supplies: rocks, paint, paper plates or plastic lids, cotton swabs, paper towels, plastic
table coverings or newspapers, art smocks
Cover the work area with protective table coverings or newspaper.

Make paint palettes by putting a small amount of each color of paint on a paper
plate or plastic lid.
TIP
Though any size of
rocks will work, fistsized rocks will give
children a good-sized
area to paint.
Have children wear art smocks to protect their clothing.
SAY: In todays Bible story, Jesus was asked to turn rocks into bread. Instead, Jesus
chose to do what God wanted him to do. Youre going to paint a rock to remind
yourself to choose God.
Give each child a rock and some cotton swabs.
Invite each child to paint his or her rock by using the cotton swabs to make lines
and dots of color. Encourage each child to write the word God on his or her rock.
W o u ld Yo u Rat her . . . ?
Supplies: Activity 7b, CD-ROM, CD player, chairs
Make a copy of Silly Choices (Activity 7b).

Set up a circle of chairs facing the outside of the circle, using one less chair than the
number of children playing.
Have the children form a circle around the chairs.
Start playing the theme song, Lets Go Deep Blue (CD-ROM), and encourage the
children to begin walking around the circle.
TIP
If you have a small
class, you can have
the children take
turns answering the
questions.
Stop the music, and have the children find seats.
SAY: You are not out of the game if you are left standing. Instead, you have to
answer a question.
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49
Choose a question from Silly Choices, and invite the child who is standing to
answer the question.
Continue playing the game, removing one additional chair each round.
SAY: We have a lot of decisions to make every day. These have all been silly choices,
but some decisions are more difficult. In our Bible story today, well hear Jesus make
some difficult choices.
Dive Deeper
De e p Bl u e Bibl e Adventur e
SAY: Today Edgar and Indie are tempted by chocolate cake. Lets see what
happens.
ASK: Did Jesus give in to temptation? (no) Did Edgar give in to temptation? (yes)
B i bl e Sto ry
Photocopy Jesus Chooses (Activity 7a) for each child to take home.
ASK: What is temptation? (wanting to do something you shouldnt do or wanting

something you dont need)
SAY: Weve all been tempted to do something we shouldnt do. Our Bible story is
about a time when Jesus was tempted. Its from the Gospel of Luke.
Invite three children to read todays Bible story. Assign the parts of Narrator,
Tempter, and Jesus. Have the children read the story from Jesus Chooses.
ASK: Where did the words that Jesus used to respond to the tempter come from?
(Scripture)
SAY: Jesus used the lessons he had been taught about God to help him do the right
thing. Jesus chose to follow God. When we choose to live as God wants us to live, we
are choosing God.
Ma k i n g a G ood Cho ice

Photocopy Making a Good Choice (Activity 7c) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Making a Good Choice.
ASK: What are these children doing? (playing with blocks)

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Deep Blue
SAY: Rather than fighting over who could play with the blocks, these children have
decided to build something together.
ASK: Do you think that is a good choice?
Invite each child to draw a picture of what the children might be building together.
Encourage the children to color the rest of the picture.
Sayi n g s - o f - J esus Cube

Supplies: Activity 7d, cardstock, scissors, glue sticks
Photocopy Sayings-of-Jesus Cube (Activity 7d) onto cardstock for each child.
ASK: Where did Jesus get the words he used to resist temptation? (from Scripture)
SAY: We also rely on Scripture to help us know how to live. Lets take a look at some
words from Scripture.
Give each child a copy of Sayings-of-Jesus Cube.
SAY: These are all sayings of Jesus that we find in Scripture.

Have each child cut out the cube template on the solid lines.
Encourage each child to fold the cube template on the dotted lines, folding so that
the writing is on the outside.
Have each child assemble his or her cube by tucking in and gluing the folded tabs.
When every child has made a cube, invite the children to take turns rolling their
cubes.
After each child rolls his or her cube, invite him or her to read the Scripture rolled
aloud.
ASK: How might this saying of Jesus help us know how to act?
Continue playing the game until every saying of Jesus has been discussed.
SAY: When we choose to follow God, we choose to live by Jesus words.
Grow Stronger
Ma k i n g G o o d Cho ices
Supplies: Resource Pakpp. 7 & 17, Activity 7e, tape or stapler
Photocopy Decision-Making Steps (Activity 7e) for each child.

Punch out the Decision Cards (Resource Pakpp. 7 & 17). Select one card of each
of the four types (stop, look, think, decide) for each child in your class. Shuffle the
cards together to mix them up.
SAY: Youll probably never have to face the same temptations Jesus did, but all of
us are tempted from time to time. It may be someone you know trying to get you
to join them in making fun of someone else. Or it may be a little voice inside your
TIP
If you have more
than six children in
your class, copy the
Resource Pak pages
onto cardstock before
punching out the cards.
DeepBlueKids.com
51
head trying to talk you into lying to your parents about whether you have practiced
your piano. Were going to play a game that will help us think about how we make
decisions.
Give each child four cards.
SAY: There are four different types of cards. You each have four cards, but they
may not be all different. Walk around and trade cards with one another until you
have four different cards in your hand, then have a seat. You must always have four
cardsno more, no fewerand you must trade a card to get a card. Oh, and one
more thing: You also may not speak or show the card you are trading. Simply hold
out a card you wish to trade face down until someone trades with you. If it isnt a
card you need, trade with someone else.
Encourage children to continue trading cards until every child has a set of four
different cards.
ASK: What are the four different cards you have collected? (stop, look, think,
decide)
SAY: Lets put the cards in order.
Give each child a copy of Decision-Making Steps.
As a group, discuss the information on the page.
Have each child tape or staple his or her cards in the appropriate spots on the page.
ASK: When youre faced with making a difficult decision, whats the first thing to do?
SAY: Take this paper home, and let it remind you to stop, look, think, and decide.
Art J o u rn al
Photocopy Art Journal: Jesus Chooses (Activity 7f) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Art Journal: Jesus Chooses.
Encourage each child to draw a picture of him- or herself showing love to someone.
Hand out the art journals. Invite children to add their pictures to their journals.
J o u rn ali n g
Photocopy Journal: Jesus Chooses (Activity 7g) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Journal: Jesus Chooses and a pencil.
52
Deep Blue
Worship
P r a i s e a n d P rayer
Supplies: Resource Pakpp. 4. 10, Leaders Guidep. 54, CD-ROM or DVD and
player, descending doves made earlier, string, scissors
Photocopy and cut out Talk About Jesus Chooses (Leaders Guidep. 54) for
each child.
Display the January Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pakp. 4) and January Sign
TIP
the CD-ROM, and are
shown on the DVD.
SAY: Last week we heard about God choosing Jesus following Jesus baptism. Our
Bible verse for this month comes from the story of Jesus baptism.
Show the children the January Sign Language Poster.
SAY: When Jesus was faced with temptation, he chose to follow God. Were also
faced with situations where we have to choose whether to follow God. Were not
perfect like Jesus, and sometimes we do make mistakes and give in to temptation.
The good news is God still loves usno matter what! Gods love for us is infinite.
ASK: What does infinite mean? (neverending, going on forever)
SAY: Gods love for us lasts for infinity. It will never end, even when we make
mistakes. The symbol for infinity looks like the number 8 lying on its side.
Have the children stand up, and encourage them to make an infinity symbol in the
air with the index finger of one hand and continue making the symbol over and over.
Encourage each child to try making an infinity symbol with the index finger of the
other hand at the same time.
SAY: Because we love God, we try to make good choices. It is reassuring to know
that Gods love for us is infinite.
PRAY: God, thank you for stories about Jesus. Thank you for the teachings of Jesus
that help us know how to live. Help us to be strong when we face temptation and to
choose to follow you. Amen.
Send home Talk About Jesus Chooses with each child. Encourage parents to talk
DeepBlueKids.com
53
Talk About Jesus Chooses

Luke 4:1-13
How, do you think, did Jesus feel when tempted?

H
ow do you feel when you are tempted to do something you know you
shouldnt do?

Pray.
54
Deep Blue
SESSION 8
Jesus Brings Good News

Bible Verse
Before You Begin
ynagogues are places of worship for Jews. In Jesus time, Jews gathered together in
the synagogue for worship and for teaching the Scriptures and the law. After Jesus
baptism and his experience of being tempted in the wilderness, he began to teach in the
synagogues. The Bible tells us that it was Jesus custom to go to the synagogue on the
sabbath.
While Jesus was in the synagogue in Nazareth, his hometown, he was handed the
scroll of Isaiah to read. During worship in a synagogue at that time, there were
usually several readers. Each would read a part of Scripture and then preach on the
text. The Bible tells us that Jesus stood to read from the scroll and then sat down to
teach. This was the customary practice at the time. Jesus chose to read a passage
from Isaiah that essentially announced what his ministry was to be about: bringing
good news to the poor, proclaiming release to the captives, and recovery of sight to
the blind. It could be said that Jesus was reading his mission statement.
The last part of the story is more difficult to understand. The crowd in the
synagogue turned on Jesus. In verse 22 we are told they were amazed at the words
that he spoke. In verse 29 they were attempting to hurl him off a cliff! It
has been speculated that the crowd became upset when Jesus
insisted that his message was for everyone and that those
in Nazareth were not to receive special privilege. The
people of Nazareth may have wanted Jesus to spend
extra time in Nazareth and bestow extra blessings on
them, becoming upset at finding out that this was not
Jesus plan.
Since Jesus mission included helping those in need,
one of the suggestions in this lesson is to do a
service project with your children. The lesson
plan suggests having the children organize
a food drive for your congregation. Often
there is an emphasis on collecting food in
the time prior to Christmas, but the reality
is that this need lasts all year. If there is a
specific need in your community, modify the
service project to meet that need.
January 24
Bible Story
Luke 4:14-30
Anchor Point
chose God.
Your Lesson
qA
ssemble the Crew
qM
ake a Classroom
Scroll
qO
ur Hometown
qD
eep Blue Bible
Adventure
qB
ible Story
q E dible Scrolls
q P ass the Scroll
q J esus Mission
Statement
q P lan a Food Drive
qA
rt Journal
q Journaling
Everyone
Readers
Nonreaders
Visit deepblue
kids.com/leaders to
join the community
find helpful weekly
Requires
preparation.
DeepBlueKids.com
55
Jump In!
the entire group.
Supplies: Resource Pakp. 2, DVD and player

Ma k e a C lassr o o m S cr o ll
Supplies: Resource Pakp. 4, paper grocery bag, marker, yarn, tape, two dowel rods
(1 feet long, inch or larger diameter), scissors
SAY: In Jesus time, there were no books. Scripture was read from scrolls. Were
going to make a scroll for our classroom.
Have the children cut down one edge of the paper bag and cut around the bottom of
the bag to remove the bottom and leave a large rectangular piece of paper.
Have each child take a turn crumpling up the paper and then smoothing it flat. The
more times the paper is crumpled, the softer it will become.
Display the January Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pakp. 4).
Invite an older child to use a marker to write this months Bible verse on the paper.
TIP
If you have a large
class, divide it into
groups and let each
group work together to
make a scroll. You will
need one grocery bag
and two dowel rods for
each group.
Encourage the children to tape the dowel rods to the short edges of the paper,
one dowel rod on each side.
Have the children cut a piece of yarn about 18 inches long.
Show the children how to roll up the scroll, rolling it around the dowel rods from
both sides and meeting in the middle.
Have the children use the piece of yarn to tie the scroll together.
SAY: We will use our classroom scroll when we hear our Bible story today.
O ur H o m e town
Supplies: map showing the place where you live, mural paper, scissors, crayons, markers
Cut a large piece of mural paper, and at the top write the words, Our Hometown.
Spread the map where the children can see it.
ASK: What is a hometown? (the place you live, the place you grew up)
56
Deep Blue
Help the children find your town on the map.
ASK: What makes our hometown special? What things about our town or city would
you miss if you moved away?
Invite each child to draw a picture on the mural paper of something they like about
your town or city.
SAY: In our Bible story today, Jesus visits his hometown, the town where he grew up.
Dive Deeper
SAY: Asia, Edgar, and Kat are talking about synagogues and the sabbath. Lets watch.
ASK: What is a synagogue? (a building like a church) What is the sabbath? (a day
of rest when people go to the synagogue)
B i bl e Sto ry
Supplies: Bibles, Activity 8a, scroll made earlier, tape
Photocopy Jesus Brings Good News (Activity 8a) for each child.
Unroll the classroom scroll made earlier, and tape a copy of Jesus Brings Good
News onto the scroll. Roll the scroll back up.
SAY: Our Bible story today tells of Jesus teaching in the synagogue.
ASK: Would we find our story in the Old Testament, or the New Testament? (New
Testament) How do you know? (Stories of Jesus are in the New Testament.)
SAY: Todays story is from the Gospel of Luke.
Have children find Luke in their Bibles.
Use the classroom scroll to read the Bible story from Jesus Brings Good News.
ASK: Where was Jesus teaching? (at the synagogue in Nazareth) What was special
about Nazareth? (Jesus grew up there.) Jesus read Scripture from the scroll of
Isaiah.
ASK: Is Isaiah in the Old Testament, or the New Testament? (Old Testament) How do
you know? (The New Testament hadnt been written at the time Jesus lived.)
Have the children find Isaiah in their Bibles.
SAY: After Jesus read the Scripture from Isaiah, he told the people that they were
witnessing those words of Scripture come true.
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ASK: What did Jesus mean by that? (He was the one God sent to do those things.)
SAY: Some people couldnt believe the Jesus they knew as a boy was the one God
had chosen. Jesus visit to the synagogue in Nazareth happened after his baptism
but before he began traveling. Jesus told the people of Nazareth that God had
chosen him to bring good news, and then Jesus went out and spread the Good News.
Ed i ble S c rolls
Supplies: corn or flour tortillas, cream cheese, licorice ropes, table knives or craft sticks,
toothpicks, plates, napkins
SAY: Jesus read from a scroll. Now youre going to make a scroll you can eat.
Give each child a tortilla on a plate.
Give each child some cream cheese and a knife or craft stick. Encourage each child
to spread the cream cheese on his or her tortilla.
Give each child a toothpick, and let her or him write her or his name or a
message in the cream cheese.
Have each child roll up his or her tortilla from two sides like a scroll.
Give each child a licorice rope to tie around her or his scroll.
Say a prayer of thanks, and enjoy the snack together.
TIP
Hebrew is written and
read from right to
left. Challenge older
children to write their
names from right to
left instead of left to
right.
Always check for
allergies before
serving food to your
children.
Pass t h e S c r o ll
Supplies: Activity 8b, classroom scroll made earlier, crayons
Photocopy Jesus Reads From a Scroll (Activity 8b) for each child.
SAY: Jesus read from a scroll. Now lets read from our classroom scroll.
Review this months Bible verse with the children.
Invite each child to take a turn unrolling the scroll, saying the Bible verse, and
rolling the scroll back up.
Give each child a copy of Jesus Reads From a Scroll.
SAY: Here is a picture of Jesus reading in the synagogue. What is missing from this
picture? (a scroll)
Encourage each child to add a scroll to the picture and color the rest of the picture.
TIP
Remove the string from
the classroom scroll so
that younger children
only have to unroll it
and roll it back up.
J e s u s M i ssio n Stat em ent

SAY: The story we heard today is sometimes referred to as the beginning of Jesus
ministry. Jesus was describing what he would do during his ministry. Jesus was
choosing to do Gods work and fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah.
Give each child a copy of A Message in the Scrolls (Activity 8c) and a pencil.
58
Deep Blue
Grow Stronger
Plan a F o o d Dr ive
Supplies: Activities 8d and 8e, large boxes or laundry baskets, markers, crayons, tape
Decide where you will donate the food you collect. Call the organization you have
chosen, and ask whether they have any specific needs. Make arrangements to
have the information about the food drive distributed in worship or in other ways.
Make several copies of Food Drive Poster (Activity 8d).
Photocopy Food Drive Information Letter (Activity 8e), and add the necessary
information. (You will make additional copies after the children sign the letter.)
SAY: Jesus chose to do Gods work. During Jesus ministry he helped many
people. We too can choose to do Gods work and help people.
ASK: What are some ways we can do Gods work?
SAY: Today were going to begin a ministry project that will last for the next five
weeks. Were going to organize a food drive for our entire church. The food
items we collect will be given to (name of organization), and they will be
distributed to people who need it. Often we think about collecting food before
Thanksgiving and Christmas, but people need to eat all year long!
Have the children sign their names to the Food Drive Information Letter.
Photocopy the signed Food Drive Information Letter for each child to take
home and to be distributed as arranged.
Have the children color the copies of the Food Drive Poster and use them to
decorate the cardboard boxes or laundry baskets that will serve as collection
boxes.
Keep a collection box in your classroom.
Place the other collection boxes outside your classroom or in other areas of
the church to encourage other people to donate to your food drive.
Art J o u rn al
Photocopy Art Journal: Jesus Brings Good News (Activity 8f) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Art Journal: Jesus Brings Good News.
Encourage each child to circle and color the pictures that show ways he or she can
bring good news to other people.
Hand out the art journals. Invite children to add their pictures to their journals.
DeepBlueKids.com
59
J ou rn ali n g
Photocopy Journal: Jesus Brings Good News (Activity 8g) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Journal: Jesus Brings Good News and a pencil.
Worship
P ra i s e a n d Pr ayer
Supplies: Resource Pakpp. 4, 10; Leaders Guidep. 61; CD-ROM or DVD and
player
Photocopy and cut out Talk About Jesus Brings Good News (Leaders
Guidep. 61) for each child.
SAY: Our Bible verse for this month is a reminder of God choosing Jesus. Todays
Bible story reminds us that Jesus chose God.
TIP
the CD-ROM, and are
shown on the DVD.
Review the signs on the January Sign Language poster with the children. Encourage
the children to sign and say the Bible verse with you several times.
SAY: When Jesus was preaching in Nazareth, some people had trouble believing
the words he was saying because they had known Jesus most of his life. They
remembered Jesus as a child and were finding it difficult to believe he had grown up.
ASK: Have you ever had this experience with people who have known you a long
time? (Let the children respond.)
SAY: Jesus didnt let what other people thought stand in the way of his ministry, and
we shouldnt either. We can do Gods work!
PRAY: God, thank you for Jesus, who brought the good news of your love into the
world. Bless our ministry, and help us to have the courage to share the Good News
with other people. Amen.
Send home Talk About Jesus Brings Good News with each child. Encourage
parents to talk about todays story with their children.
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Deep Blue
Talk About Jesus Brings Good News

Luke 4:14-30
H
ow, do you think, did Jesus feel when he went home to Nazareth?
How, do you think, did the people in Nazareth feel when they heard Jesus
speak in the synagogue?

Pray:
Answers
A Message in the Scrolls
Activity 8c
8-6=
20-16=
=taught
4+4=
14-7=
3+2=
=Gods
15-5=10 =welcomed
=about
2+1=
=people
5+6= 11 =people
=people,
8+1=
=and
16-3= 13 =Gods
=Jesus
9-3=
=healed
6+6= 12 =into
10-9 =
=love,
8+6= 14 =kingdom.
Jesus taught people about Gods love, healed people,

and welcomed people into Gods kingdom.
DeepBlueKids.com
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SESSION 9
Jesus Heals
January 31
Bible Story
Bible Verse
Luke 4:38-40
Anchor Point
Before You Begin
atthew, Mark, and Luke all tell of Jesus healing Peters mother-in-law. Peter,
referred to as Simon in Luke, had not yet become one of Jesus disciples. We
dont often think about the disciples families. Simon Peter was obviously married,
since he had a mother-in-law. She appears to have lived in Peters house with Peter
and his wife, which was common practice at the time. As no father-in-law is mentioned,
Peters mother-in-law was likely a widow.

chose God.
Your Lesson
qA
ssemble the Crew
q F ood Drive Check-in
When Jesus arrived at Peters house, he found Peters mother-in-law sick with a
fever. In the Gospel of Luke, the story says that Jesus ordered the fever to go away.
The very next verse tells of the woman serving Jesus a meal. This is not an attempt to
illustrate Jesus and others in the house as demanding but rather to demonstrate the
immediacy and completeness of the womans recovery. Peters mother-in-law
felt so much better that she was ready to get up and serve. She was grateful to Jesus
for healing her, and the expression of her gratitude was service.
qH
elping Profession
After Jesus healed Peters mother-in-law, people with all kinds of diseases were
brought to Jesus. Luke tells us that Jesus put his hands on each one of them and
healed them. The Gospels contain many stories of Jesus healing people.
Jesus cared about people. He cared not only for their spiritual
well-being but also for their physical wellness. Healing was
a way for Jesus to show his compassion for people and to
show the power that was given to him by God.
q J esus Healed
When we follow Jesus example of how to live, we

will show compassion for those around us. We do not
have the power to perform miracles and heal people
dramatically as Jesus did. We can still be healers, though.
Opportunities to care for others and to be kind
present themselves every day. As you teach the
story of Jesus healing Peters mother-in-law
and other people, remind the children that
we can follow Jesus example to care for
others.
qC
oncentrate!
qD
eep Blue Bible
Adventure
qB
ible Story
q Spot the Differences
q L ets Review
qA
n Encouraging
Word
qA
rt Journal
q Journaling
Everyone
Readers
Nonreaders
Visit deepblue
kids.com/leaders to
join the community
find helpful weekly
Requires
preparation.
62
Deep Blue
Jump In!
the entire group.
Ass e mbl e t h e Cr ew
Supplies: Resource Pakp. 2, DVD and player, offering
basket, marker

Food D ri v e C h eck-in
Supplies: Activity 8e, food collection containers made last week
Have copies of the Food Drive Information Letter (Activity 8e) available for
children who were absent last week.
TIP
Remind the children
where the food items
will go.
Invite children who have brought food items to put them in the food collection
container in your classroom.
Have the children check the collection containers placed in other parts of the
church and bring any collected items to your classroom.
SAY: Were starting to get some donated food. Well continue to collect food for the
next four weeks, so if you forgot to bring food today you still have time.
H e lp i n g P ro fession
Invite a health professional to visit your class. The person could be a doctor, nurse,
pharmacist, EMT, or a member of any other helping profession.
TIP
Encourage the children
to ask questions.
Have the visitor tell the children what he or she does at work. Encourage the visitor
to talk about how his or her job helps people.
C o nc e n t rat e
Supplies: Resource Pakp. 19
Separate the Helping Concentration Cards (Resource Pakp. 19). Shuffle all of the
cards together. Lay the cards face down in four rows of four cards each.
Explain to the children that they will use the cards to play concentration.
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63
SAY: Instead of cards that are the same, youll be looking for pairs of cards that go
together. Half of the cards show someone who needs help, and the rest of the cards
show someone who can help that person. When its your turn, turn over two cards. If
the cards do not go together, turn them back over and your turn is over. If you find
two cards that go together, you get another turn.
Invite the children play the game.
Dive Deeper
De e p B l u e Bibl e Advent ur e
SAY: Today Kats sneezes make Edgar and Asia wonder if shes getting sick. Lets
watch and see what Bible story this reminds them of.
ASK: Whom did Jesus heal? (Simons mother-in-law and many other people)
B i bl e Sto ry
Photocopy Jesus Heals (Activity 9a) for each child.
SAY: In todays Bible story Jesus went to the home of a man named Simon Peter.
Read the story from Jesus Heals.
ASK: What did Jesus do to heal Simons mother-in-law? (He told the fever to go
away.) What did Jesus do to heal the other people who came to him? (He touched
them.)
SAY: Last week we talked about Jesus beginning his ministry. Healing people was a
part of that ministry. We dont have the power to heal people with a word or a touch.
That is something only God can do. We can help people who are sick or hurting,
though, and be a part of the healing process. Our visitor today told us about helping
people feel better.
ASK: What are some things we can do for someone who is sick? What are some
things we can do for someone who is sad? What are some things we could do for
someone who is feeling lonely? (Allow the children an opportunity to verbalize
their ideas.)
SAY: When we show kindness and compassion, were following Jesus example and
doing Gods work.
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S p ot t h e D i ffer ences
Supplies: Activities 9b and 9c, crayons
Photocopy Jesus Heals: Part 1 (Activity 9b) and Jesus Heals: Part 2 (Activity 9c)
for each child.
Give each child a copy of Jesus Heals: Part 1 and Jesus Heals: Part 2.
Have the children to find five things that are different in Picture 2 from Picture 1.
Let the children color the pictures.
J e s u s H e ale d
TIP
Differences in the
second picture: the
woman is standing and
smiling, Jesus hands
are up above his head,
Jesus hair is short,
absence of beard,
pattern at the bottom
of Jesus tunic.
Photocopy Jesus Healed Many People (Activity 9d) for each child.
SAY: Jesus healed many other people in addition to Simons mother-in-law.

Give each child a copy of Jesus Healed Many People and a pencil.
Have children look up the Scripture references in their Bibles to check their work.
Le ts R e v i e w
SAY: Lets review what weve learned this month. Im going to read some statements.
If the statement is true, show me thumbs up and say, Yes, indeed! If the statement
is not true, show me thumbs down and say, I dont think so.
Read the following statements, and encourage the children to respond appropriately:
Magi followed a star to find Jesus. (Yes, indeed!)
The magi were looking for a seamstress to make them clothes. (I dont think so.)
The magi brought gifts of gold, felt, and metal to honor Jesus. (I dont think so.)
John the Baptist baptized Jesus. (Yes, indeed!)
Jesus was baptized in the Pacific Ocean. (I dont think so.)
After Jesus was baptized, the Spirit descended on him in the form of a dove. (Yes,
indeed!)
Jesus gave in to temptation and turned rocks into bread. (I dont think so.)
Jesus used words from Scripture to resist temptation. (Yes, indeed!)
Jesus preached in the synagogue in his hometown. (Yes, indeed!)
Jesus said that he had come to bring sandwiches to the well fed. (I dont think so.)
God sent Jesus to bring good news to the poor. (Yes, indeed!)
Jesus healed John the Baptists mother-in-law. (I dont think so.)
Jesus healed many people. (Yes, indeed!)
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65
Grow Stronger
An E n c o u rag ing Wo r d
Supplies: Activity 9e, craft foam, scissors, markers, glue, magnetic tape
Make copies of Encouraging Messages (Activity 9e).

Cut the craft foam into 4-inch and 6-inch squares.
SAY: Weve talked about some ways we can help people who are sick or hurting.
Sometimes a person is not physically sick but may be feeling sad or down. Today
youll make magnets with encouraging messages that you can share with someone
you know who might need some encouragement.
TIP
Construction paper
may be used in place of
craft foam.
Have each child choose one 4-inch and one 6-inch square of craft foam.
SAY: You may use these two squares of craft foam to make your magnet. You may
leave them as squares, or you may trim one or both of them into another shape.
Use glue to attach the two shapes together.
Encourage each child to glue his or her pieces of craft foam together.
Have each child cut out an encouraging message and glue it to the front of the
magnet.
Give each child a piece of magnetic tape to glue to the back of her or his magnet.
Encourage each child to decorate his or her magnet with markers.
SAY: Think about whom you will give your magnet to.
Art J o u rn al
Photocopy Art Journal: Jesus Heals (Activity 9f) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Art Journal: Jesus Heals.
Encourage each child to draw a picture of him- or herself praying.
J o u rn ali n g
Photocopy Journal: Jesus Heals (Activity 9g) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Journal: Jesus Heals and a pencil.
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Deep Blue

Worship
Supplies: Resource Pakpp. 4, 10; Leaders Guidep. 68; CD-ROM or DVD and
player
Photocopy and cut out Talk About Jesus Heals (Leaders Guidep. 68) for each
child.
Play this months song, God Chose Jesus (DVD or CD-ROM), and encourage
TIP
the CD-ROM, and are
shown on the DVD.
SAY: As this months song says, God chose Jesus, and Jesus chose God. This
month weve been hearing stories about God choosing Jesus to do Gods work and
Jesus choosing to do Gods ministry. God also chooses us as Gods children. We
choose God, and that means well follow Jesus example and do Gods work. Our Bible
verse reminds us of God choosing Jesus.
SAY: Weve mentioned that we dont have the ability to perform miracles and heal
people as Jesus did. But we can help people heal. Sometimes the way to be caring
is obviousa child with a skinned knee needs a bandage. Other times, we may not
know what to do to help someone who is hurting. One thing we can always do is pray.
Praying for people is one way we follow Jesus teaching to care for one another.
ASK: Do you know anyone who needs special prayers right now?
Encourage children to share prayer concerns, reminding them it is also OK to keep
concerns in our heart.
PRAY: God, thank you for stories of Jesus. Help us to find ways we can follow Jesus
example of helping people. We ask you to be with the people we have named who
are in need of prayer, as well as those we name silently. Amen.
Send home Talk About Jesus Heals with each child. Encourage parents to talk
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67
Talk About Jesus Heals

Luke 4:38-40
How, do you think, did Peter feel when his mother-in-law became sick?
H
ow, do you think, did Peters mother-in-law feel when Jesus touched her
and healed her?
What are some ways you can help people who are sick?

Pray:
Answers
Jesus Healed Many People
Jesus Healed Many People
Activity 9d
The Gospels tell many stories about Jesus healing people. Use the number code
A=1, B=2, C=3, and so forth to decode the following words and to discover some of
the people Jesus healed.
___
A ______________________
B L I N D
______________
M A N
13 1 14
2 12 9 14 4
______________
T
E N
_____________________________
L E P E R S
20 5 14
12 5 16 5 18 19
12g
9d
(Luke 18:35-43)
(Luke 17:11-14)
J__________________________________
A I R U S S
D
____________________________________
A U G H T E R
10 1 9 18 21 19 19
4 1 21 7 8 20 5 18
(Mark 5:22-24, 35-43)
__________________________________
L
A Z A R U S
12 1 26 1 18 21 19
(John 11:1-44)
___ ___________________________________________
A
P A R A L Y Z E D
_____________
M A N
13 1 14
16 1 18 1 12 25 26 5 4
5:18-25)
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. 2015 (Luke
Abingdon
Press.
68
Deep Blue
Jesus Calls the Fishermen

Bible Verse
Come, follow me, he said. (Matthew 4:19)
Before You Begin
ish was a dietary staple in first-century Palestine. Fish, eaten more than any other
meat, was eaten fresh, processed, salted, dried, or pickled. Therefore, fishing was
an important industry on the Sea of Galilee. Todays Bible story begins with Jesus
walking alongside the Sea of Galilee, where he saw two brothers throwing their
fishing nets into the sea.
Jesus called out to the two brothersSimon Peter and Andrewand said, Come,
follow me (Matthew 4:19). Matthew does not tell us whether Peter and Andrew had
any knowledge of Jesus. Yet when Jesus called them, they dropped everything and
followed him. As they continued on, Jesus saw another set of brothersJames and
Johnwho were repairing their fishing nets. James and John also followed Jesus
immediately, leaving their boat and their father. Jesus did not give them a lengthy
explanation with twenty-seven reasons why they should follow him. He simply called
them.
SESSION 10
February 7
Bible Story
Matthew 4:18-22
Anchor Point
Jesus calls us to follow
him.
Your Lesson
qA
ssemble the Crew
q Food Drive Check-in
q Fishing for Words
qD
eep Blue Bible
Adventure
qB
ible Story
q F ollow My Directions
q P raying for People
We can take away several important points from this story. First of all, Peter,
Andrew, James, and John had done nothing special to warrant being called by Jesus.
They were not called because of their qualifications. This is reassuring to
those of us who might wonder whether we are qualified to follow
Jesus.
q F ishing for People
Secondly, the call to discipleship did not occur in a holy

place. This is not to say God doesnt call people in holy
places, but it illustrates that God works in all areas of
human life. In the midst of our daily work, wherever we
are, God calls to us.
q Journaling
Thirdly, Jesus called the fisherman for a specific

commission. He didnt simply say, Follow me, as
he did in some other call stories. Jesus told
them that he would show them how to fish
for people (Matthew 4:19). Their mission
was evangelistic in nature. Having been
called, they were now to go out and gather
people into Gods kingdom.
q Following-Jesus
Posters
q Art Journal
Everyone
Readers
Nonreaders
Visit deepblue
kids.com/leaders to
join the community
find helpful weekly
Requires
preparation.
DeepBlueKids.com
69
Jump In!
centers as the children arrive or with the entire class.

Greet the children as they arrive. Mark each childs name on
the Attendance Chart.
Foo d D ri v e Check-in
Supplies: food collection containers, mural paper, markers, tape
Cut a large piece of mural paper. On the paper, write, So far we have collected
(blank for number) food items to donate to (place that will receive your donations).
Have the children count the number of food items collected so far.
Encourage the children to add the number of items to the sign you have made.
TIP
ave copies of
H
the Food Drive
Information Letter
(Activity 8e) available
for children who have
not yet received one.
Have the children hang the sign above the collection container in your classroom.
SAY: We have three more weeks to collect food. The number of items we have will
continue to increase.
Keep the sign, which will be used again in the next three weeks.
Fi s h i n g f o r Wo r ds
Supplies: Resource Pakp. 11, large bucket or tub, water, plastic bottle caps, permanent
marker, towels, plastic floor covering, markerboard, dry-erase markers
sing the permanent marker, write the words of this months Bible verse and the
U
words of this months anchor point, Jesus calls us to follow him, on the bottle caps,
one word per cap.
Display the February Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pakp. 11).
Fill the large bucket or tub about two thirds full with water, and place it on the floor,
protecting the floor with a plastic covering or towels.
Place all of the plastic lids in the water, with the words facing down.
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Deep Blue
One Room Sunday School Leaders Guide February 7
Show the children the poster.
SAY: Its a new month, and we have a new Bible verse. This month were going to be
talking about Jesus calling us to follow him. Were going to fish for words.
ASK: What do you usually catch when you go fishing?
Have one child draw a cap out of the water. If its the first word of the Bible verse
(Come) or the first word of the anchor point (Jesus), set it aside. If its any other
word, have the child toss the cap back into the water.
Have the children take turns drawing one cap out of the water at a time until the
first word of either sentence is drawn.
TIP
It may take a while to
find the first couple of
words, but the game
will progress more
quickly as the number
of caps in the water
dwindles.
Have the children continue taking turns drawing caps one at a time to find all the
words of the Bible verse and the anchor point in order.
Have the children read the Bible verse and the anchor point together.
Dive Deeper
De e p Bl u e Bi bl e Advent ur e
SAY: Asia, Kat, and Edgar are going fishing. Lets see if they catch anything.
ASK: Whom did Jesus invite to follow him? (Peter, Andrew, James, and John) How
did they respond to Jesus invitation? (They followed him.)
B i bl e Sto ry
Photocopy Jesus Calls the Fishermen (Activity 10a) for each child.
SAY: This month were going to be hearing stories about Jesus calling people to
follow him.
ASK: Will our Bible stories this month be found in the New Testament, or the Old
Testament? (New Testament) How do you know that? (The New Testament contains
stories of Jesus life and ministry.)
SAY: Todays story is from the Gospel of Matthew, the first book in the New Testament.
Have the children find Matthew in their Bibles.
Have the children stand up.
SAY: As I read the story, I will be giving you some directions to follow.
Read the story from Jesus Calls the Fishermen, pausing to give children the
directions in parentheses.
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71
SAY: You did a good job of following directions. Im going to read the story a second
time. This time Im not going to read your directions. Listen to the wordsthey will
help you remember what youre to do for each part of the story.
Read the story again, encouraging the children to do the actions.
ASK: What did Jesus mean when he told Peter, Andrew, James, and John they would
fish for people? (They would tell people about Gods love and invite people to
follow Jesus.)
SAY: Peter, Andrew, James, and John became Jesus disciples. They told many people
about Jesus. Jesus calls us as well to fish for people. We can invite people to follow
him.
Follo w m y D ir ect io ns
Recruit two adult volunteers to help you with this game. Explain the game to
them, as well as their role, prior to class.
Have one of your volunteers stand with you at the front of the room. Have the
other volunteer stand behind the children.
SAY: Today were going to play a game. Its a very simple game. Im going to give you
some instructions, and all you have to do is follow them.
Begin giving the instructions printed in the column on the right to the children. After
you have given a few simple instructions, have your volunteers begin to give random
instructions that are different from yours. At first, have them speak in a normal
voice and give one or two instructions, gradually increasing in volume and speed
until they are both giving louder and faster instructions than you are.
ASK: How did you do at following my instructions? What made it difficult?

SAY: This month were talking about following Jesus. In order to follow Jesus, we
must tune out the distractions and the people telling us to do other things. Peter,
Andrew, James, and John paid attention to Jesus when he called them to follow.
Stand up.
Jump up and down.
Stop jumping.
Stomp your feet.
Clap your hands.
Turn around in a circle.
Touch your toes.
Reach for the sky.
Wave at your neighbor.
March in place.
Clap your hands.
Pr ay i n g f o r Peo pl e
Turn around in a circle.
Supplies: Activities 10b and 10c, crayons, scissors
Photocopy Jesus Calls the Fishermen (Activity 10b) and Fish Patterns
(Activity 10c) for each child.
SAY: Jesus told Peter, Andrew, James, and John that he would teach them to fish for
people. One way we can fish for people is to pray for them. We can pray that God will
be with them and make them feel loved.
Stomp your feet.

Sit down.
ASK: Whom could you pray for?

Give each child a copy of Fish Patterns. Have each child cut out the squares.
Encourage the children to draw on each fish someone they could pray for.
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Deep Blue
SAY: These fish can help you remember to pray for these people.
Give the children Jesus Calls the Fishermen, and let them color the picture.
Fi s h i n g f o r t he Discipl es
SAY: Todays story is about Jesus calling four of the disciples to follow him. Jesus
called twelve disciples.
Give each child a copy of Fishing for the Disciples (Activity 10d) and a pencil.
Grow Stronger
Fo llo wi n g - J esus Po st er s
Supplies: Activity 10e, scrap paper, washable paint, plastic lids or plates, paintbrushes,
smocks, plastic table coverings or newspapers, paper towels, wet wipes
Photocopy Following Jesus (Activity 10e) for each child.

Protect the work surface with plastic table coverings or newspaper. Have the
children wear art smocks to protect their clothing.
Pour a small amount of paint on each plastic lid. Put one color of paint on each lid,
and use a paintbrush to spread the paint into a thin layer.
SAY: Just as Jesus called the fishermen, Jesus also calls us to follow him. Today you
will make a poster to remind yourself of being called to follow Jesus.
TIP
Have the children
practice making
footprints on scrap
paper before adding to
their posters.
Give each child a copy of Following Jesus.

Show the children how to use their hand to make a footprint in the following way:
Make a fist. Cover the little-finger side of the fist with paint by pressing it onto
one of the paint-covered lids; then press the fist onto the paper.
Open your hand, and use your index finger dipped in paint to make five toe
prints above the fist print.
Invite the children to make footprints following Jesus on the Following Jesus page.
Have the children use paper towels and wet wipes to clean their hands.
A rt J o u rn al
Photocopy Art Journal: Jesus Calls the Fishermen (Activity 10f) for each child.
Give each child a copy of Art Journal: Jesus Calls the Fishermen.
Have each child draw a picture inside each fish of something he or she can do to
share Gods love with someone.
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73
J o u rn ali n g
Photocopy Journal: Jesus Calls the Fishermen (Activity 10g) for each child.
Give each child a copy of Journal: Jesus Calls the Fishermen and a pencil.
Worship
Pra i s e a n d Pr ayer
Supplies: Resource Pakpp. 11, 14; Leaders Guidep. 75, CD-ROM or DVD and
player
Photocopy and cut out Talk About Jesus Calls the Fishermen (Leaders
Guidep. 75) for each child.
Display the February Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pakp. 11) and February Sign
SAY: Its a new month, and we have a new song.

Play this months song, Step by Step (DVD or CD-ROM), and encourage the
TIP
the CD-ROM, and are
shown on the DVD.
SAY: Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow him. Our Bible verse for
this month is from this story.
Show the children the February Bible Verse Poster. Encourage readers to read
the verse with you.
Teach the children the sign language from the February Sign Language Poster.
Encourage all children to sign and say the Bible verse with you several times.
SAY: When Jesus called the fishermen, he told them he would teach them to fish for
people. Jesus calls us to follow him too.
ASK: What are some ways we can fish for people? (Allow the children an
opportunity to share their ideas.)
SAY: This week look for ways you can fish for people by sharing Gods love.
PRAY: God, thank you for your amazing love for us. Thank you for Jesus, who calls us
to follow him and fish for people. We ask your blessing on our fishing, that we may
find ways to share your love. Amen.
Send home Talk About Jesus Calls the Fishermen with each child. Encourage
parents to talk about todays story with their children.
74
Deep Blue
Talk About Jesus Calls the Fishermen

Matthew 4:18-22
H
ow, do you think, did the fishermen feel when they left their boats
and nets and followed Jesus?
What do you think following Jesus means?

Pray:
Jesus calls us to follow him.
Answers
Fishing for Disciples
Activity 10d
Simon Peter
Andrew
Philip
James, son of Zebedee
John
Bartholomew
Thomas
Simon
Matthew
James, son of Alphaeus
Thaddeus
Judas Iscariot
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SESSION 11
Jesus Calls Levi
February 14
Bible Verse
Bible Story
Luke 5:27-32
Anchor Point
Before You Begin
n Jesus time, tax collectors were very unpopular. The payment of taxes to the
Roman Empire caused resentment among people, and tax collectors reminded
people of Roman rule. Additionally, tax collectors made their living by charging more
money for taxes than the Romans expected and keeping the difference, a system
seemingly designed to encourage greed and dishonesty. While collecting taxes, tax
collectors handled things Jewish law considered unclean, such as coins stamped with
images of pagan gods. Most Jews hated tax collectors.
In this weeks lesson, we hear the story of Levi, also known as Matthew. The
story of Jesus calling Levi to follow him is found in similar accounts in the Gospels
of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Levi was a tax collector and was sitting at a tax booth,
probably collecting a toll along a major road. When Jesus saw Levi, he issued the
invitation, Follow me (Luke 5:27). With these words, Jesus extended an invitation to
one who was despised by society.
Its likely that Jesus association with tax collectors surprised many. Were told
in particular of the response of the Pharisees, who were Jewish religious leaders.
They interpreted the Jewish laws found in the Torah and applied them
to everyday life. Pharisees opposed Jesus because they thought
he was teaching Jews to stop following these laws. The
Pharisees also opposed Jesus association with those
they identified as sinners, such as tax collectors. In the
Pharisees eyes, if a person associated with someone
identified as a sinner, then that person became unclean.
The story of Jesus calling Levi is good news for us.
Jesus issues the invitation to follow, not just to those who
are perfect but also to imperfect people. Jesus calls
people like us to follow him.
Levi must have known his life would
change drastically if he accepted Jesus
invitation to follow. Yet we are told of no
hesitation. When Jesus called, Levi followed.
Are we able to follow Levis example?

him.
Your Lesson
qA
ssemble the Crew
q P ut the Coins in the
Money Bag
qD
eep Blue Bible
Adventure
qB
ible Story
q S hare a Snack
q L evis Banquet
q L evis Other Name
qM
ake Hearts to Share
qA
rt Journal
q Journaling
Everyone
Readers
Nonreaders
Visit deepblue
kids.com/leaders to
join the community
find helpful weekly
Requires
preparation.
76
Deep Blue
Jump In!
the entire group.

Food D rive C h eck-in

Supplies: food collection containers, sign made last week about the number of food
items collected, marker
TIP
ave copies of Food
H
Drive Information
Letter (Activity 8e)
available for children
who have not yet
received one.
Encourage the children to cross out the number of items on the sign you made last
week and write in the new number.
Have the children hang the sign above the collection container in your classroom.
Invite children to sort the food items, placing similar items, such as all vegetables,
together.
ASK: What type of food do we have the most of? Is there any type of food we are
particularly short of?
SAY: We have two more weeks to collect food.
Put t h e C o i n s in t he Mo ney B ag
Supplies: Activity 11b, Resource Pakp. 21, scissors, fine-point markers, tape, bandanas or
other cloth to use as blindfolds
Make enough copies of Coins (Activity 11b) that each child will be able to cut out
three coins.
Hang Levi the Tax Collector (Resource Pakp. 21) on a wall in an open area.
Have each child cut out three coins and use a marker to put his or her name or
initials on the front of each coin.
TIP
ome children may
S
not be comfortable
being blindfolded. An
alternative is to have
each child close his or
her eyes.
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77
Show the children the picture of Levi the Tax Collector.
SAY: Today were going to hear a story about Levi. Levi was a tax collector. That
means he collected money from people.
ASK: Do you see the money bag he is holding?
Have each child put a roll of tape on the back of each of her or his coins.
Blindfold the children one at a time, spin them gently around a couple of times, and
then have them head towards Levi and try to tape a coin in the money bag. Have
each child begin at the starting point three timesonce for each coin.
After each child has had an opportunity to play, check to see whose coins made it
into the money bag.
SAY: Levi was not well liked. Well find out why when we hear our Bible story.
Dive Deeper
De e p B l u e Bibl e Advent ur e
SAY: Today Kat is painting a picture. Lets watch and see what shes painting.
ASK: What was the name of the tax collector Jesus asked to follow him? (Levi)
Why, do you think, did Levi hang up a sign that said, Gone Fishing? (because Jesus
would teach him to fish for people)
B ibl e Sto ry
Photocopy Jesus Calls Levi (Activity 11a) for each child.
SAY: Our Bible story today is about Jesus and a tax collector. In Jesus time, tax
collectors were disliked and looked down upon. Today well hear the story from the
tax collectors point of view.
Read the story from Jesus Calls Levi.
ASK: Why, do you think, were the Pharisees upset that Jesus was eating with tax
collectors? (because they didnt think he should associate with people such as
tax collectors) What do you think Jesus meant when he said, Healthy people dont
need a doctor, but sick people do? (Jesus chose to associate with the people who
needed to hear his message of love.)
SAY: Jesus said that he came to call people to change their hearts and lives.
ASK: What do you think changing your heart means? (changing the way you live,
becoming more loving)
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SAY: When Jesus told Levi to follow him, he did. The Bible says Levi left everything
behind and followed him.
ASK: Knowing that tax collectors often abused their power and cheated people,
how, do you think, did deciding to follow Jesus change Levis life? (Allow children an
opportunity to respond.)
S ha re a S n ack
Supplies: snack of your choice, plates, napkins
ASK: What did Levi do after he decided to follow Jesus? (He threw a banquet for
Jesus and his friends.)
SAY: Sharing a meal or a snack together is good way to spend time with your friends.
Invite the children to help distribute the plates and napkins.
TIP
Be aware of any food
allergies in your
class before allowing
children to eat or
handle food products.
Encourage the children to serve the snack to one another.

Say a prayer of thanks, and enjoy the snack together.
Le vi s B a n q u et
Photocopy Levi Invites Jesus to a Banquet (Activity 11c) for each child.
SAY: This picture shows Jesus eating with Levi, but it appears that something is
missing.
ASK: What is missing from this picture? (food)
Encourage each child to add food to the picture and color the rest of the picture.
ASK: How, do you think, did Jesus make Levi feel when Jesus agreed to come and eat
at his house? Do you like having people come and eat at your house?
Le vi s Ot h e r Nam e
Photocopy Levis Other Name (Activity 11d) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Levis Other Name and a pencil.
Have each child follow the directions to discover Levis other name.
Encourage each child to complete the word search.
Grow Stronger
Ma k e H e a rt s to S har e
Supplies: construction paper, ruler, paper cutter or scissors, staplers
Use a paper cutter or scissors to cut the construction paper into 1-inch-wide strips
of the following lengths: 12 inches, 11 inches, 10 inches, and 9 inches.
TIP
Consider asking older
children in your class
to cut the paper strips
for you during the
gathering time at the
beginning of class.
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79
SAY: Levi changed his heart and his behavior when he decided to follow Jesus. Today
is a good day to make hearts since it is Valentines Day. You will each make several
heart decorations that you can give to other people.
Invite each child to choose four strips of paper, 1 strip of each length.
Have each child make a heart by following these directions.
Fold each paper strip in half, bringing the short sides together. Crease and unfold.
Stack the four paper strips with the shortest strip on the bottom, increasing in
length to the longest strip on top. Line up the creases of all strips.
Fold the strips in half all together. The shortest strip will be on the outside.
Staple the strips together about inch from the fold. Make sure to staple
through all of the strips.
Photo: Sally Hoelscher
Unfold the strips, bringing all eight ends together below the stapled portion. This
should form four heart shapes nested inside one another.
Staple the ends of the strips together. Make sure to staple through all eight layers.
Invite the children to make additional hearts as time permits.
SAY: When you leave today, give your hearts away. As you give each heart away, tell
the person you are giving it to that Jesus loves him or her. Consider giving at least
one of your hearts to someone you dont already know.
Art J o u rn al
Photocopy Art Journal: Jesus Calls Levi (Activity 11f) for each child.
Give each child a copy of Art Journal: Jesus Calls Levi.
Encourage each child to draw pictures of many different types of people inside the
heart.
TIP
This activity can
be made easier for
younger children by
having them use only
two paper strips one
long strip and one
short strip. Likewise,
the activity can be
made more challenging
for older children by
inviting them to figure
out how to make six or
eight nesting hearts.
J o u rn ali n g
Photocopy Journal: Jesus Calls Levi (Activity 11g) for each child.
Give each child a copy of Journal: Jesus Calls Levi and a pencil.
Hand out the journals. Invite children to add this weeks page to their journals.
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Worship
P r ais e a n d P rayer
Supplies: Activity 11e, Resource Pakpp. 11, 14; Leaders Guidep. 82, CD-ROM or
DVD and player
Photocopy and cut out Talk About Jesus Calls Levi (Leaders Guidep. 82) for
each child. Photocopy Acts of Kindness During Lent (Activity 11e) for each child.
TIP
the CD-ROM, and are
shown on the DVD.
Show the children the Bible Verse Poster.
Review the signs on the February Sign Language Poster with the children.
Encourage the children to sign and say the Bible verse with you several times.
ASK: Who is the he in this verse? (Jesus)

SAY: So far this month weve heard stories of Jesus calling five people to follow him.
ASK: Who are those five people? (Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Levi)
SAY: Jesus also calls us to follow him. Today is the first Sunday in Lent. Lent is an
especially good time to focus on following Jesus.
ASK: What is Lent?
SAY: Lent is the time leading up to Holy Week and Easter. Many people use Lent as
an opportunity to consider how they can become better followers of Jesus.
Give each child a copy of Acts of Kindness During Lent.
SAY: This is a chart to encourage you to do a special act of kindness for someone
else every day during Lent.
ASK: What are some acts of kindness that you could do? (Allow children an
SAY: Take this chart home, and hang it someplace where you will see it every day.
Each day that you remember to do an act of kindness, draw a heart in one of the
squares on the chart. See whether you can fill the chart up before Easter.
PRAY: God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to teach us how to live. We have
heard the call to follow him, and we are trying, although sometimes we fall short.
Help us to look for opportunities every day to share your love. Amen.
Send home Talk About Jesus Calls Levi with each child. Encourage parents to talk
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81
Talk About Jesus Calls Levi

Luke 5:27-32
How, do you think, did Levi feel when he left all the tax money and followed
Jesus?
What do you think it means to change your heart?

Pray:
Jesus calls us to follow him.
Levis Other Name
Answers
Levis Other Name
Activity 11d
BINMSDBFANBTSDBDNTFINHDIBSEDSNBDWFNSD
MATTHEW
__________________________________________________________________________
12g
11d
BINMSDBFANBTSDBDNTFINHDIBSEDSNBDWFNSD
__________________________________________________________________________
Find the following words in the grid below. Answers may run straight across, backward, up,
down, or diagonally.
Banquet
Disciple
Heart
Change
Follow
Jesus
Tax Collector
82
Deep Blue
For Readers
Everyone
Session
Session
11, x,
February
xxxxxxxx
14
One
Room Sunday
School
Leaders Guide February 14
Art:
2014 Abingdon Press
ORSS, 2015
SESSION 12
Go Two by Two
Bible Verse
Before You Begin
his weeks lesson continues the monthly theme of Jesus calling followers or helpers.
This lesson is different from the last two weeks lessons; instead of calling people
to be his disciples, Jesus is sending his disciples out into the world. Jesus sent the
disciples out to share the Good News and cure diseases. Today we are the disciples
Jesus sends out to share the good news of Gods love.
February 21
Bible Story
Mark 6:7-13
Anchor Point
him.
Your Lesson
qA
ssemble the Crew
We often have a picture of Jesus disciples following along with Jesus as he taught
and healed people. This certainly happened, and there are many stories in the Gospels
that show the disciples with Jesus. But todays story illustrates a different aspect of
discipleship. Jesus empowered the disciples and sent them out to spread the Word.
Jesus instructed them to take nothing with themno bread, no money, and no change
of clothes. They were to depend on the hospitality of others and to trust in God. As
disciples of Jesus, we must learn from Jesus teachings but also be willing to go out
and spread the gospel, trusting that God will be with us as we do so.
qC
umbersome Relay
Too often, we hesitate to share the good news of Gods love with others because
we are concerned about how our sharing will be received. Jesus warned his disciples
that not everyone would welcome their message. What were the disciples
to do when they were not welcomed? They were to leave. What
should we do if our attempts to share Gods love are not
welcomed? It is easy to become discouraged, but we
need to remember that we cannot force people to
receive Gods love. That is not our job. We need to trust in
God to make the connection. With our sharing, we may
have started a process that will be continued later.
q T he Disciples Go Two
by Two
As a teacher of children, you have accepted Gods

call to share the Good News with others. You can
share Gods love with the children you teach
and also help equip them to spread the
Good News to others. Help the children
recognize ways they can spread the gospel
by their actions and their words.
qD
eep Blue Bible
Adventure
qB
ible Story
q S haring the Good
News
q S ent Out by Jesus
q S pread the Good

News
qA
rt Journal
q Journaling
Everyone
Readers
Nonreaders
Visit deepblue
kids.com/leaders to
join the community
find helpful weekly
Requires
preparation.
DeepBlueKids.com
83
Jump In!
the entire group.

Food D ri v e Check-in
Supplies: food collection containers, sign made in Session 10 about the number of food
items collected, marker
Invite the children who have brought food items to put them in the food collection
TIP
ave copies of
H
the Food Drive
Information Letter
(Activity 8e) available
for children who have
not yet received one.
Encourage the children to cross out last weeks number of items on the sign and
write in the new number. Have the children hang the sign above the collection
Invite the children to choose food from the container that go together to make a
meal.
ASK: Is this a meal you would like to eat? Is this a healthy meal?
SAY: Next week will be our last week to collect food.
TIP
C um b e rs o me Relay
Supplies: cans of food from the food drive collection, large coats or jackets, stopwatch or
clock with a second hand
Place the cans of food and coats on one side of the room.
SAY: Were going to have a race against the clock. Youll take turns going across the
room and back, and Im going to time you. When its your turn, put on a coat and pick
up as many cans of food as you can carry. Walk across the room and put the food
down, then return and take off the coat. Then the next person may start. If you drop
any cans along the way, you will need to go and get them.
If you have a large

class, divide it into
teams and have a
race. Require one
team to load up and
let the other team
race without carrying
anything. Then have the
teams switch.
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Encourage the children to take turns putting on coats and transporting food.
Keep track of the time it takes for all of the children to complete the relay.
Tell the children how much time it took for them to have everyone carry food across
the room.
SAY: Were going to race again to see whether you can beat your time. This time
you dont need to put on a jacket or carry any food. Each person will walk across the
room and back. Then the next person may go.
Keep track of the time it takes for all children to walk across the room and back.
Tell the children the time.
ASK: Which race was faster? Why were you able to go faster the second time?
SAY: Today well hear a story about Jesus sending the disciples on a trip. They
werent allowed to take much with them when they went.
TIP
Have the children
put the cans of food
back in the collection
container.
Check the cans for
dents, since many food
banks do not accept
dented cans.
Dive Deeper
De e p B l u e Bibl e Adventur e
SAY: Today Asia tells Kat and Edgar about Jesus sending the disciples out to spread
the Good News. As you watch, pay attention to what the disciples were allowed to
take with them on their journeys.
ASK: What were the disciples allowed to take with them on their journeys? (walking
stick and sandals, and the clothes they were wearing)
B i bl e Sto ry
Photocopy Go Two by Two (Activity 12a) for each child to take home.
SAY: Weve been hearing stories of Jesus calling the disciples. In todays Bible story,
Jesus is sending the disciples.
Give each child a copy of Go Two by Two.
Read the story from Go Two by Two, reading the parts of Jesus and Narrator. Let
children who are confident readers read the part of the disciples.
Thank the children for helping tell todays story.
ASK: Why, do you think, did Jesus send the disciples out in pairs instead of by
themselves? (to encourage one another, for safety) What was the Good News that
the disciples were to share? (news about Jesus and Gods love)
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SAY: Just as Jesus sent the disciples out to share the Good News, were called to
share the Good News with others.
ASK: What is the Good News that we are to share? (news about Gods love, about
Jesus teachings) Have you ever tried to tell someone about Jesus and found they
didnt want to listen?
SAY: Sometimes people arent ready yet to hear the Good News that God loves
them. Jesus warned his disciples about this. We cannot force somebody to become a
Christian. We need to trust in God to make the connection when that person is ready.
S ha ri n g t h e Go o d News
Supplies: Activity 12b, scissors, basket
Make a copy of Game Cards (Activity 12b). Cut the cards apart, and place them
face down in the basket.
SAY: Although we know that we should tell others about Gods love, its sometimes
difficult to know just how to do that. Can you share Gods love with others
without using words?
SAY: If we follow Jesus, our actions will reflect Gods love. Were going to play a
game. In pairs, well act out, without using words, ways of sharing Gods love. The
rest of the class will try to guess what is being acted out.
Choose two children to begin the game.
Have the children choose a game card and, after conferring for a moment, act out
the scenario for the class without using words.
Encourage the class to guess what is being acted out.
The first child to guess correctly may choose a partner and act out the next scenario.
Continue playing until all of the scenarios have been acted out.
SAY: It is not always necessary to use words in order to share Gods love.
S e n t O u t by J esus
Photocopy Sent Out by Jesus (Activity 12c) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Sent Out by Jesus.
SAY: When Jesus sent the disciples out to share the Good News, he gave them
specific instructions about what they were to take.
ASK: What were the disciples allowed to take with them on their journeys? (walking
stick and sandals, and the clothes they were wearing) Do these disciples have
everything they need? (No, they need walking sticks.)
Invite the children to draw the disciples walking sticks and to color the picture.
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The D i sc i ple s Go T wo by T wo
Photocopy The Disciples Go Two by Two for each child.

Give each child a copy of The Disciples Go Two by Two and a pencil.
Encourage the children to work in pairs to complete the puzzle.
Have the children look up Mark 6:13 to check their answers.
Grow Stronger
S p r ead t h e G o o d News
Supplies: Activity 12e, pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, tape
Make copies of Good News Poster (Activity 12e).
SAY: Jesus sent the disciples out to spread the Good News. As followers of
Jesus, we too are called to spread the Good News.
ASK: What is the Good News? What do you think is important for people to know
about Jesus? What do people need to know about Gods love? (Allow children an
SAY: Today youre going to make posters to help spread the Good News.
Have each child find a partner to work with.
Give each pair of children a copy of Good News Poster.
TIP
Assist younger
children with writing
on the posters. If you
can, pair nonreaders
with readers for this
activity so that each
pair of children has at
least one child who can
write.
Encourage each pair of children to design a poster.

Have the children cut out the posters.
Decide where you will hang the posters in your church.
Invite the children to go out two by two to put up the posters.
Art Jo u rn al
Photocopy Art Journal: Go Two by Two (Activity 12f) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Art Journal: Go Two by Two.
Encourage each child to draw a picture of him- or herself sharing Gods love.
Hand out the art journals. Invite the children to add their pictures to their
journals.
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87
J o u rn ali n g
Photocopy Journal: Go Two by Two (Activity 12g) for each child.

Give each child a copy of Journal: Go Two by Two and a pencil.
Worship
Pr a i s e a n d Pr ayer
Supplies: Activity 11e, Resource Pakpp. 11, 14; Leaders Guidep. 89,
CD-ROM or DVD and player
Photocopy and cut out Talk About Go Two by Two (Leaders Guidep. 89) for each
child.
Show the children the Bible Verse Poster. Review the signs on the February Bible
Verse Sign Language Poster with the children. Encourage the children to sign and
say the Bible verse with you several times.
TIP
the CD-ROM, and are
shown on the DVD.
SAY: Although we know that we should tell others about Gods love, its sometimes
difficult to get that conversation started.
ASK: What are some ways we can tell others about Gods love? What are some ways
we can share about Gods love without using words?
SAY: Were sharing Gods love through our food drive. The food we collect will help
many people. Since we have been hearing the story of the disciples going out two by
two, perhaps you could ask a family member to go with you to ask people you know
to donate to our food drive. Next week is the last week for our food drive.
PRAY: God, we hear Jesus call to follow him. We know that means going out and
spreading the Good News. Sometimes we eagerly want to follow, but at other times
we are uncertain. Help us to have the courage we need to accept Jesus call. Amen.
Send home Talk About Go Two by Two with each child. Encourage parents to talk
88
Deep Blue
Talk About Go Two by Two

Mark 6:7-13
W
hy, do you think, did Jesus want his helpers to go out in pairs or
two by two?
What do you think changing your heart means?

Pray:
12d
The Disciples Go Two by Two

What did the disciples do when Jesus sent them out to share the good news? They
all remaining words in order on the lines to discover
what the
disciples
Jesus
calls
usdid.toCheck
follow him.
your answer by looking up Mark 6:13.
1. Cross out all items that usually come in pairs.

2.
Answers
word
3. Cross out all
wordsTwo
that are used
describe two people together.
The Disciples
Go
bytoTwo
Cross out names of Jesus disciples.
Activity 4.12d
They
Peter socks
partners
and
cast
out
many Andrew
duo
John
many shoes
Levi
happy
with
demons,
they
gloves anointed
Jesus
sick
hassle
duet
people
Judas
olive
couple
oil.
They
cast out many demons and they annointed many sick
________________________________________________________________________________________
people
with olive oil.
________________________________________________________________________________________
DeepBlueKids.com
________________________________________________________________________________________
89
Women Follow Jesus

Bible Verse
Luke 8:1-3
Anchor Point
Before You Begin
ll month we have been talking about Jesus and his followers. The focus of this
weeks lesson is that women were among Jesus followers. From our vantage point
in the twenty-first century, it may seem odd that there is a need to emphasize that
Jesus followers included women as well as men. To us and to the children in your class,
its a given that women follow Jesus. Of course they do! Women attend church. Women
participate in ministryteaching, preaching, and leading. Though its difficult for us to
imagine, this hasnt always been the case.
In biblical times, women were often treated as property. Fathers could sell their
daughters or arrange for them to be married without their consent. Polygamy was the
norm, and men were allowed sexual freedom outside of marriage. This is not to say
that women didnt play a prominent role in Jewish history. The Bible recounts stories
of strong and influential women such as the judge Deborah, Moses sister Miriam,
and Ruth. However, overall the Bible remains male centered in its perspective and
authorship. Of the many names mentioned in the Bible, only a small minority of them
are women. All biblical authors identified by name are male. This was the culture in
which Jesus lived.
It was not unusual for Jewish rabbis to have followers. It was
unusual, however, for any of those followers to be women.
Therefore, in his Gospel account, Luke felt it necessary
to say that although Jesus twelve disciples were all men,
his followers included womenMary Magdalene, Joanna,
Susanna, and other women. Throughout his ministry,
Jesus treated women with respect, sometimes to the
surprise of his disciples.
Although it may not be surprising to us that
Jesus followers included women, consider
that its only within the last 100 years
that women have been allowed to attend
seminary. Today there are still countries
where women are treated as inferior.

him.
Your Lesson
qA
ssemble the Crew
q Food-Drive Wrap-up
qW
ho Can Be a
Follower?
qD
eep Blue Bible
Adventure
qB
ible Story
qH
ear From a Woman
in Ministry
q F ollowers of Jesus
qW
omen in the Early
Church
q L ets Review
qW
e Can Follow Jesus
qA
rt Journal
q Journaling
Everyone
Readers
Nonreaders
Visit deepblue
kids.com/leaders to
join the community
find helpful weekly
Deep Blue
February 28
Bible Story
90
SESSION 13
Requires
preparation.
Jump In!
centers as the children arrive or with the entire group.

Food D ri v e Wr ap -up
Supplies: food collection containers, sign made in Session 10 about number the of food
items collected, tape, marker
Invite the children who have brought food items to put them in the food collection
Encourage the children to add the number of items to the sign you have made.
SAY: What a great job youve done of collecting food! Well give thanks for this food
during our closing time today.
Have the children move all food items to the area you use for worship.
Hang the sign in your worship area.
W ho Ca n Be a F o llower ?
Supplies: mural paper, scissors, markers, crayons, glue sticks, old magazines
Go through the magazines, and tear out pages with pictures of people. Try to find
pictures that show a diversity of ages, genders, and cultures.
Cut a large piece of mural paper. In the center of the paper write, Who can follow
Jesus?
SAY: All month we have been talking about followers of Jesus. Today were going to
make a collage of people who could be followers of Jesus.
ASK: Are there special requirements to be a follower of Jesus? Do you have to be a
certain age or a certain height? (no) Who can be a follower of Jesus? (anyone)
Let the children look through the magazine pages to cut out pictures of people.
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91
Have the children glue the pictures they find onto the mural paper. Overlapping
pictures is OK.
Encourage the children to find pictures that show people of all ages and cultures to
put on the posters.
ASK: Could you be a follower of Jesus?

Have each child draw a picture of him- or herself on the mural.
Dive Deeper
SAY: Asia, Kat, and Edgar are talking about the followers of Jesus. Lets watch.
SAY: When we think of Jesus followers, we often think of the twelve disciples.
Many other people followed Jesus, too, including women.
B i bl e Sto ry
Photocopy Women Follow Jesus (Activity 13a) for each child.
SAY: Our Bible story today is about some women who followed Jesus.
ASK: Will our story be in the New Testament, or the Old Testament? (The New
Testament, because thats where stories of Jesus are found.)
SAY: Todays story is from the Gospel of Luke.
Have the children find Luke in their Bibles.
Read the story from Women Follow Jesus.
ASK: Whom does Jesus call to be his followers? (everyone)

SAY: Jesus accepts everyone! This is part of the example Jesus gave that we as his
followers try to follow. We accept and love everyone too.
H e a r F ro m a Wo m an in Minist ry
Prior to class, invite a woman involved in the ministry of your church to come and
speak to the class. The woman may be either an ordained woman or a layperson.
Have your visitor talk with the children about the ministry she does and what being
a follower of Jesus means to her.
Encourage the children to ask the speaker questions.
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Follo w e rs o f Jesus
Photocopy Followers of Jesus (Activity 13b) for each child.
ASK: Who is someone who has told you about Jesus? Who is someone who makes
you feel like God loves you? (Allow the children an opportunity to respond.)
SAY: Those people are all followers of Jesus. They followed Jesus teaching to tell
other people the good news of Gods love.
Give each child a copy of Followers of Jesus.
ASK: Whom do you see doing ministry in these pictures?

Look at each picture. Discuss how the people in the picture are following Jesus.
Encourage each child to color the pictures.
W o me n i n t h e Ea r ly Chur ch
Photocopy Women in the Early Church (Activity 13c) for each child.
SAY: Both men and women followed Jesus during his ministry. After Jesus death
and resurrection, both men and women were important in spreading the news about
Jesus and beginning the church.
Give each child a copy of Women in the Early Church and a pencil. Encourage each
child to solve the puzzle.
Le ts R e v i e w
Supplies: Resource Pakp. 22, Activity 13d, scissors
Make a copy of Review Cards (Activity 13d). Cut the cards apart.
Cut apart the four pictures on the February Review Pictures (Resource Pakp. 22).
Lay the pictures out on a table for the children to see.
SAY: This month weve heard stories about Jesus calling people to follow him and
Jesus sending his followers out to spread the Good News. Each of these pictures
illustrates one of the stories we heard this month.
Show the children the cards.
SAY: And these cards tell about what happened in the stories weve heard. Im going to
read the cards one at a time. After I read each card, youll decide together which picture
it goes with. Ill lay it beside the picture you decide on. If you think the card doesnt go
with any picture, Ill set it aside. Then well see how well youve done at remembering.
Read each card, and encourage the children to work together to decide which
picture the card belongs with. Set aside cards that do not go with any picture.
After all cards have been placed, pick up any that are in the wrong place and invite
the children to try that card again.
DeepBlueKids.com
93
Grow Stronger
W e Ca n F o llo w J esus
Supplies: Activity 13e, scissors, basket
Make a copy of Things Jesus Did (Activity 13e). Cut the cards apart, and place them
face down in the basket.
Have the children sit in a circle.
ASK: What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? (following Jesus teachings and
his example about how to live)
SAY: As followers of Jesus, we follow Jesus example. Each card in this basket tells
something that Jesus did. I am going to invite someone to draw a card and read
what it says; or if you cant read yet, have your neighbor read it for you. The person
who drew the card will then say someone elses name, and that person will give us
an example of how he or she can follow Jesus example. That person will then draw
a card and choose someone else to give us an example. If youre called on and you
cant think of an example, you may ask your friends to help you.
Invite a child to draw a card, and encourage the children to play the game.
Art J o u rn al
Supplies: Activity 13f, art journals, crayons, markers, staplers
Photocopy Art Journal: Women Follow Jesus (Activity 13f) for each child.
SAY: Its time to finish your art journal.

Give each child a copy of Art Journal: Women Follow Jesus.
Encourage each child to draw a picture showing how being follower of Jesus feels.
Encourage each child to make sure all the papers are securely in his of her journal.
Have each child staple the art journal together along the folded edge.
SAY: Today your art journal is finished and you may take it home.
J o u rn ali n g
Supplies: Activity 13g, journals, pencils, staplers
Photocopy Journal: Women Follow Jesus (Activity 13g) for each child.
SAY: Its time to finish your journal.

Give each child a copy of Journal: Women Follow Jesus and a pencil.
94
Deep Blue
Encourage each child to make sure that all the papers are securely in his of her
journal.
Have each child staple the journal together along the folded edge.
SAY: Today your journal is finished and you may take it home.
Worship
Supplies: Resource Pakpp. 11, 14; Leaders Guidep. 96; DVD and player
Photocopy and cut out Talk About Women Follow Jesus (Leaders Guidep. 96)
for each child.
Display the February Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pakp. 11) and the February
Sign Language Poster (Resource Pakp. 14) in your worship area.
Play this months song, Step by Step (DVD), and encourage the children to sing
and move along with the music.
ASK: What is our Bible verse this month?

Review the signs for the Bible verse, and encourage the children to sign and say
the verse several times.
ASK: Whom does Jesus call to be his followers? (us, everyone)

SAY: You have demonstrated one way to be a follower of Jesus by organizing a food
drive and collecting food that will help people in need.
TIP
on pages 2324 of
the Resource Pak,
are on the CD-ROM,
and are shown on the
DVD.
Remind the children of the total number of items collected.
SAY: Youve done a great job doing Gods work! Were going to say a special blessing
over the food right now before it goes to (place food will be delivered).
Have the children gather around the collected food items. Invite each child to
reach out and place a hand on the food while you pray.
PRAY: God, we have answered yes to Jesus call to follow him. We ask that you
bless the food that has been collected, that it may help those who are hungry. We
ask your blessing on those who receive the food, that they may feel surrounded by
your love. Help us to look for ways to share the good news of your love with others.
Amen.
Send home Talk About Women Follow Jesus with each child. Encourage parents to
talk about todays story with their children.
TIP
Make arrangements
to have the collected
food delivered to its
destination.
DeepBlueKids.com
95
the puzzle below. Starting with Column 1, go down the column until you come to
columns in order, filling in all the blanks below.
1
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
10
11
12
13
Talk About
Women Follow Jesus
Luke 8:1-3
Who do you think can follow Jesus?
do youthink following Jesus means?
What
Come, follow me, he said.

(Matthew
4:19)
Pray.
Jesus calls us to
follow
him.
Answers
Women in the Early Church
Activity 13c
1.
3. She was a dealer of purple cloth who became
Timothy. (2 Timothy 4:21)
(Acts 16:14-15)
C ___
L ___
A ___
UD
I ___
A
___
___ ___
L ___
Y ___
D ___
I ___
A
___
2. She and her husband traveled with Paul on

one of his journeys. (Acts 18:2-26)
P ___
R ___
I ___
S ___
C ___
I ___
L ___
L ___
A
___
For Readers
4. She was a disciple in Joppa who became ill

and was healed by Peter. (Acts 9:36-43)
T ___
A ___
B ___
I ___
T ___
H ___
A
___
Session 13, February 28
96
Deep Blue
Help kids explore the Christmas story

with help from their friends Asia, Kat, & Edgar!
only
$ 99
Fall 2015
UNIT 1: Gods
Creation Is Good
Sept 6The Earth
Sept 13Living Things
Sept 20In Gods Image
Sept 27Adam and Eve
UNIT 2: Big Promises

Oct 4Abraham and
Sarah
Oct 11Abraham and Lot
Oct 18The Birth of Isaac
Oct 25Isaac and
Rebekah
Winter
201516
UNIT 1: Away in a
Manger
Dec 6Gabriels
Message
Dec 13Mary Visits
Elizabeth
Nov 1Jacob and Esau
Nov 22Jacobs Ladder

Nov 29Elizabeth and
Zechariah
UNIT 1: Jesus Lives!
UNIT 1: The Rainbow

Promise
March 6Jesus Washes

Feet
March 13Jesus
Celebrates
Passover
Dec 20Jesus Is Born

Dec 27Joyous News
March 27Jesus Lives
UNIT 2: Jesus
Ministry Begins
Jan 3Follow the Star
Jan 10Jesus Is Baptized
Jan 24Jesus Brings
Good News
Jan 31Jesus Heals
Nov 8The Birthright

Nov 15The Blessing
Summer 2016
March 20Jesus Enters

Jerusalem
Jan 17Jesus Chooses
UNIT 3: Blessings and

Birthrights
Spring 2016
UNIT 3: Jesus Calls

Helpers
Feb 7Jesus Calls the
Fishermen
Feb 14Jesus Calls Levi
Feb 21Go Two by Two
Feb 28Women Follow
Jesus
UNIT 2: Believe
April 3The Road to
Emmaus
Jun 5Noah Builds

the Ark
Jun 12Two of Every Kind
9781501800696
Jun 19Sending Out the

Dove
Coming soon for Easter 2016:
Jun 26The Rainbow

Promise
April 17The Great

Commission
Jul 24Patience
May 1Choosing the

Seven
May 8 Philip and the
Ethiopian
May 15Pentecost
May 22First Called
Christians
May 29We Are One
Body
5/4/15 9:59 AM
If you have questions or comments, call Curric-UPhone toll free: 800-251-8591. Or e-mail
curricuphone@cokesbury.com.
Pak, and CD-ROM. Kit price: $72.99 per

quarter. Copyright 2015 Abingdon
Press. All rights reserved. Printed in China.
Jul 17Peace
Jul 31Kindness
Vol. 22 No. 2 WINTER 201516

Spirit: Part 2
Aug 7Goodness
Aug 14Faithfulness
Aug 21Gentleness
Aug 28Self-control
Cokesbury.com | 800.672.1789
Community Resource Consultants
DBK1570300CR001ND001.indd 1
Jul 3Love
Jul 10Joy
UNIT 3: Good News

Spreads
From a Deep Blue Night to a Bright Morning Light

9781501806063. $1.99

Spirit: Part 1
April 10Thomas
Believes
April 24Believers Share
DBK1570300CR001ND001
Scope and Sequence

Fall 2015 Summer 2016
Editorial / Design Team

Sally Hoelscher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Writer
Daphna Flegal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor
Susan Heinemann Silveira. . . . . . . . Production Editor
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Administrative Team
Neil M. Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Publisher
Marjorie M. Pon. . . . . Associate Publisher and Editor of Church
School Publications (CSP)
Phillip D. Francis. . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Design Manager, CSP
LeeDell B. Stickler........................................ Senior Editor,
Childrens Resource
Deep Blue Kids: One Room Sunday School,
Leaders Guide: Published quarterly by Abingdon
Press, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988,
Nashville, TN 37228-0988. This Leaders Guide is
part of the One Room Sunday School resource kit
that includes a Reproducible Kids Book, Resource
To order copies of this

publication, call toll free: 800672-1789. You may fax your order
to 800-445-8189. Or order online
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For information concerning permission to reproduce
any material in this publication, write to Rights
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request to 615-749-6128. Or e-mail permissions@
abingdonpress.com.
Scripture quotations, unless noted otherwise, are

from the Common English Bible. Copyright 2011 by
the Common English Bible. All rights reserved. Used
by permission. ( www.CommonEnglishBible.com )
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
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DeepBlueKids.

Help kids explore the Christmas story

UNIT 2: Big Promises

Nov 1Jacob and Esau

Nov 22Jacobs Ladder

UNIT 1: Jesus Lives!

UNIT 1: The Rainbow

March 6Jesus Washes

Dec 20Jesus Is Born

March 27Jesus Lives

Nov 8The Birthright

March 20Jesus Enters

Jan 17Jesus Chooses

UNIT 3: Blessings and

UNIT 3: Jesus Calls

Jun 5Noah Builds

Jun 19Sending Out the

Coming soon for Easter 2016:

Jun 26The Rainbow

April 17The Great

May 1Choosing the

Pak, and CD-ROM. Kit price: $72.99 per

UNIT 3: Fruit of the

UNIT 3: Good News

From a Deep Blue Night to a Bright Morning Light

UNIT 2: Fruit of the

April 24Believers Share

Scope and Sequence

Editorial / Design Team

To order copies of this

Scripture quotations, unless noted otherwise, are

Using These Resources

UNIT 1: Away In a Manger

UNIT 2: Jesus Ministry Begins

Art: Shutterstock, Inc.

Check out DeepBlueKids.com to connect

UNIT 3: J esus Calls Helpers

Download the new

Websites are constantly changing. Although the websites recommended

Using These Resources

Reproducible Kids Book

School Leaders Guide

2. The Manger and the Miracle

5. Three Wise Men*

3. God Chose Jesus

6. Lets Go Deep Blue

Deep Blue Kids Bible

Deep Blue Kids One

herever your one-room Sunday school class

not, think about a box in the corner of a room or under

stapler and staples

Beyond the Basics

Check the sessions of each unit for a list of the

School Leaders Guide

Before You Begin

Display the Attendance Chart (Resource Pakp. 2).

Have the children pair up.

One Room Sunday School Leaders Guide December 6

4.Tie each end of the string to a paper clip.

Encourage one child to hold the cup to his or her ear.

Do not pull the string tight.

Have a third person hold on to the middle of the string.

Watch Session 1 from Deep Blue Adventure (DVD).

ASK: Do you think Mary was expecting an angel to visit her?

UNIT 3: J esus Calls Helpers

2. The Manger and the Miracle

stapler and staples

q P raise and Prayer