Big Idea: God wants us to build his church by encouraging others.
Bible Basis: Acts 4:32-37; 9:20-31; 11:19-26
Key Verse: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11a (NIV)
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
THUMBS UP, THUMBS DOWN
Simply ask your child to share one good thing that happened today or this week (thumbs up) and one not-so-good thing (thumbs down). This is a great way to share celebrations and struggles with one another.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS
For younger kids:
What was your favorite part of this story?
What are some ways that Barnabas helped the followers of Jesus?
For older kids:
What difference did Barnabas make in the lives of the believers?
What could you do to be more like Barnabas?
REFLECT AND RESPOND
After the video, have your child pick one or more of the prompts on the GO! Home Guide.
Prayer Station prompt: Do you feel discouraged? Are you having trouble with something? Write a prayer to God and tell Him about it.
Journal Station prompt: Who do you know that could use some encouragement? How could you be like Barnabas to that person? Write about it.
Bible Station prompt: Read it for yourself: Acts 4:32–37. Draw a picture of the story or write to God about your favorite part of the story. Tell Him why you liked it.
Art Station prompt: How could you give to, help, or encourage someone you know? Draw a picture of it.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ Balloon Rocket Race (Application Activity)
- Set Up: For each small group, cut 2 pieces of string or yarn to about 15 feet (4.5 meters.) Thread the string or yarn through a drinking straw. Tip: place the end of the string in the straw, then suck it through.
- Say: (Hold up a deflated balloon for kids to see.) Today we talked about how it’s easy for people to feel like this balloon—deflated, defeated, and discouraged! But we also learned some ways to fill people up. We’re going to play a game right now that will help us think of how we can give to people, help people, and encourage people.
- Directions: Divide your small group into 2 teams. Ask both teams the Round 1 question from below. Keep track of how many answers each team gives. When answers have been exhausted, allow each team to blow up a balloon with as many breaths as the number of answers their team gave. The more answers a team gives, the more breaths they get to put in the balloon. After blowing up the balloons, pinch them closed; do not tie them. Next, have 2 kids from each team stretch a string out so that it’s taut. The 2 strings should run parallel to one another. Each string will be threaded through a drinking straw. Use 2 pieces of tape to attach each balloon to one of the straws. (See picture below.) Have both teams position their balloon at the same end of their strings. Count to 3 and have the teams release their balloon at the same time. With the force of the air, the balloons will race down the length of the strings. The first balloon to reach the other end or the balloon that travels the farthest is the winner. Repeat this for each round with a different balloon.
- Balloon Rocket Race Questions:
- Round 1: Think of some people who don’t have all the things that they need in life. What are some ways or things that you can give to those people?
- Round 2: Think of some people who need help with something. What are some ways that you can help those people?
- Round 3: Think of some people who could use some encouragement. What are some things that you can say or do to encourage those people?
+ Bible Berserko (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Directions: Place the Bible verse sign in the middle of the group and read it carefully with your kids several times so they can begin to memorize it. Practice saying it together a few times. When everyone is ready, turn the sign over so they can no longer read it. Today’s Bible verse says: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11a. Choose a kid in your group to roll the die. Depending on the number rolled, have the entire group recite the verse together in the style that corresponds with the list below. If someone rolls a 6, allow them to make up their own style. When finished, hand the die to another kid and repeat. Continue until every kid has had a turn or for as long as the activity maintains interest.
- In a silly monster voice.
- While spinning in circles.
- While thumb wrestling your neighbor.
- Like you just got sprayed by a skunk.
- Like you’re falling through the air.
- Make up your own.
- Question: What do you think would happen if we never encouraged each other?
+ Pass-A_Prayer (Prayer Activity)
- Set-Up: For each small group, inflate a balloon and use a marker to write the following verse on it: “My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you.” Psalm 71:23a
- Say: Reading God’s Word fills our hearts with joy, but there’s something else that can give us joy, too! Psalm 71:23 tells us about it.
- Directions: Read the Bible verse on the balloon and ask the question below. Next, toss the balloon to a kid in your group. Encourage the kid holding the balloon to share their answer to the question. When finished, have that kid toss the balloon to another kid and repeat. Continue until every kid has a turn to share. Finally, lead your group in a closing prayer. Encourage the kids to praise and thank God for the things that make them joyful.
- Question: What are some things that God has given you or done for you that make you feel joyful?
(Due to copyright restrictions, the printable materials described in the activities above are only available to those who have registered for Our Savior’s Kids. To register your child(ren), click the button below)
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank you for sending me your Holy Spirit so that I can know and believe in you. Help me to encourage others in their faith. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the story that was the basis for this week’s lesson:
Acts 4:32–37; 9:20–31; 11:19–26
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!