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TELLING GOD’S STORY

A N I N T R O D U C T I O N

The Bible tells the story of a God who has always existed He created the world and f illed it with people, his image-bearers Eventually, God chose one family to be his people, and he named them Israel He revealed himself through his interactions with them He eventually sent his son to live among his people, die on a cross and rise again so that the image bearers who followed him would live with him forever When Jesus returned to his Father, the church continued to tell the Story of God so we could know him Today, we are the church, and we are part of his story! We are God’s storykeepers so that someday the whole world will know God’s story.

At the beginning of the Growing Families program, you will receive 9 wooden blocks that spell out “God’s Story” with a corresponding picture on each block to represent the biblical narrative Keep them somewhere safe where your family can see them regularly, but reserve their use for your story times. You’ll also receive story pieces every month to help you tell God’s Story By the end of the program, you will be able to tell God’s Story f rom Creation to New Creation.

Your family will actively engage with the biblical narrative. Our format is slow, reflective, and quiet, which stands out in a fast, loud, and stimulating world. You will use wooden f igures and a few story pieces. We have provided an instructional video to view before you tell the story at home. You may choose to use the script we have provided or tell the story in your own words. Each story ends with a time of wondering.

Children need time to ponder the mystery of God and his story. Answering their questions too quickly interrupts the learning process and what could be a God-inspired revelation. Give children time to wonder and learn to say, “I wonder, too,” instead of providing answers immediately. Each month, we will share wonder statements for you to read aloud. Your family can dig deeper into these, or each family member can wonder aloud about God’s story A word for teens and adul ts: we have designed ‘God’s Story’ to bring out your playful heart as you explore it Try engaging the experience with childlike wonder, especially if you have young children in your family They are following your example

Dr George Barna, in his research, states that children form their worldview by age 13, and for most, that worldview never changes This is why we continue to tell God’s Story and share his plan of redemption throughout the early years. You can f ind this article on the Growing Families website under the August resources section

THOUGHTS FOR PARENTS:

Some children and youth may ask deeper questions about these topics, while others need time to process the story before discussing it further Some children may not be developmentally ready to understand everything in God’s Story. Jesus told the disciples many things they didn’t understand. He gave them time to wonder and ask questions.

Discipleship, or catechesis, with children is a long process. Every conversation builds on the previous one. That is why we introduce the Christian faith early and talk about it often. As children grow, they will have diff icult questions about their faith and may experience doubts. Remember that your relationship as parent and child is more important than convincing them you have the right answers. Share with them that you wonder about some of the same things and suggest that together you can look at scripture for answers. Children and youth enjoy it more when parents are part of the discovery process. Spend time praying and listening for God to guide you as a family.

Charles Hodge, a 19th-century theologian, is quoted as saying, “ The gospel is so simple that small children can understand it, and it is so profound that studies by the wisest theologians will never exhaust its riches ”

Use the same rhythm every month before you begin the video or tell the story:

Open the Bible to the scripture passage, to show the family this is God’s story

Turn on the battery-operated candle and explain that this light represents God’s presence as you tell his story

Pass the corresponding block around the table so everyone can see the picture Set it on the table with the Bible and candle

Scan here to read Barna’s article :

SEPTEMBER

PROPS

Story pieces: black felt underlay and creation cards

STORY SCRIPT

“I was just thinking about some of my favorite gifts, how special they are, and how special the person is who gave me the gift Can you think of any special gifts you received? Who was the gift giver? Can you remember a gift that someone made especially for you? ” Pause.

“ Today, I want to tell you the story of the f irst gift eve given and the one who made it! Pause and think about what that might be Here is a hint: you have to think back to the very beginning!” Unroll the dark fel t slowly and thoughtfully.

“In the beginning, there was only God, and everything that was - was God God made everything f rom nothing. At f irst there was only darkness and water, and God’s spirit moved over top of it. Slowly move your hand over the dark fel t. On the f irst day, God gave us the gift of light.” Present the light and dark card and place it on the fel t. Touch the light. I’m not talking about the lights in the sky that we know. This is a different light that came f rom God himself. When God saw the light, he said, ‘It is good.’ ” Touch the light and raise your hand above the card to bless it.

“On the second day, God’s gift was to separate the waters of the earth f rom the waters of the heavens, and on that day he made the sky.” Present the sky-and-sea card and place it on the fel t. Touch the water and sky. “ When God saw the water separated and both the sea and the sky, God said, ‘It is good.’ ” Touch the card and raise your hand above it to bless it.

“On the third day, God’s gift was to make the dry land appear out of the water.” Present the card with land and water, and place it on the fel t, “and on the dry land, many plants started to grow.” Point to the plants. “And when God saw the dry land and the beautiful plants, God said, ‘ They are good.’ ” Touch the land and the plants and raise your hand above the card to bless it.

“On the fourth day, God gave us the gift of the lights in the sky.” Present the card with the sun, moon, and stars, and place it on the fel t. “ The light that guides us by day.” Touch the sun. “And the lights in the dark that guide us by night.” Touch the moon and stars. “And when God saw the beautiful lights, he said, ‘ They are good.’ ” Touch each light and raise your hand above the card to bless it.

“On the f ifth day, God gave us the gift of the creatures that swim in the water and those that fly in the air ” Present the card with the swimming and flying creatures, and place it on the fel t. Touch the creatures. “ When God saw them, he said, ‘ They are good ’ ” Touch the card and raise your hand above it to bless it.

“On the sixth day, God gave us the gift of every creature that walks upon the earth ” Present the card with your hand covering the people in the middle. “ When God saw the animals, he said, ‘ They are good ’ ”

Very animated: “ Then God said, 'Let us make man and woman in our image to be like us, and they will protect and care for all living things ’ ” Remove your hand f rom the people on the card and place the card on the fel t. “So God created a man, and he created a woman in his own image and told them, I have given all of this to you Take good care of all of my gifts ” Touch the animals and people, and raise your hand above the card to bless it. Slowly move your hand above all the cards to bless them. “ Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!” Pause.

“By the seventh day, God f inished all of his work, so he rested to enjoy his creation, and he declared this day different f rom all the other days. This was a special day of holy rest to celebrate God’s good gifts.”

Sigh and sit back.

“ Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy. He gave us the gift of a day to rest and to remember the gifts of all the other days.” Place the white card on the fel t.

“On this day, we f ind a special place to remember the good gifts of God, the King of all creation.”

Sit back and look at the story in f ront of you, and leave space and quiet for the Holy Spirit before you begin the wondering time.

WONDERING TIME

Share the following wonder statements

I wonder how you rest and remember God’s gifts I wonder which of God’s good gifts are your favorites in nature I wonder what it means to be made in God’s image I wonder what ways each of us protect and care for all living things I wonder what happens next in the Story

OCTOBER

PROPS

New pieces: two trees, the serpent, green felt leaves, a jagged rock, multiple peg dolls, animals, round rocks, paper backdrops of the garden, the desert, an ark, and the city of Babel, blocks for the tower, and green, tan, and blue felt underlays

STORY SCRIPT

Spread out the green fel t underlay.

“I want to tell you the next part of the story about the beginning and God’s special gifts He was pleased with all he had made, especially the man and woman, Adam and Eve, who were made in his image ”

Present Adam and Eve, placing them close together. “He formed them and then breathed life into them with his own breath. He created a beautiful garden for them to live in so they could work with him to care for all living things.”

Put the trees behind Adam and Eve.

“God made trees f illed with f ruit for them to eat and enjoy. In the middle of the garden were the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowing Good and Evil. God told Adam, ‘You are f ree to eat f rom any tree in the garden, but you must not eat f rom the Tree of Knowing Good and Evil, for when you eat f rom it, you will certainly die.’ ” Take out the serpent.

“ They weren’t alone in the garden; there was a serpent who tempted them to disobey God. He suggested that Adam and Eve taste the f ruit f rom the Tree of Knowing Good and Evil ”

“And they did Eve ate f irst, then Adam ate too, and immediately things began to fall apart ” Pull them apart and put the snake between them.

“Adam and Eve could see there were differences between them and God, and between good and evil. They knew God told them not to eat the f ruit, but they chose to do it anyway. They sinned and were ashamed, so they covered themselves up.” Cover Adam and Eve with green fel t leaves. “Adam and Eve hid, but God still found them.” Uncover Adam and Eve. “He asked them what they did wrong, and they blamed each other. They could no longer live in the garden with God anymore because of their sin, s garden.”

Take Adam and Eve ou

Place your hand betwe and the garden. “God p flaming sword at the edg they could not return ”

Pause for a moment an space to put down the

“Adam and Eve left the g search for a place to live So they walked and walked, and as they did ” Place your hand over Adam and Eve. “God’s pr

Bring out two sons. Put the jagged rock in your left hand.

“ Two sons were born to Adam and Eve, who were very different f rom each other One son, named Abel, chose to please God, and the other, named Cain, did not Cain became very jealous and angry with Abel, so angry that Cain took his brother ’s life He disobeyed God’s plan to care for all living things, especially the life of one made in God’s own image ”

Take Abel away and forcefully place a jagged rock in his place. 5

Adapted from Genesis 3, 6-9, and 11

“God was not pleased, but he loved both sons. Even though God punished Cain’s actions, God promised to protect him f rom harm, and God always keeps his promises.” Place your hand over Cain. “Even so, Cain left home and walked away f rom God’s presence.”

Walk Cain away.

“ Then things got worse…More people were born, grew up, and had children, and sin seemed to be everywhere. Sin separated people f rom God and each other.” Put away Adam and Eve’s story and keep out the brown fel t underlay.

“Finally, God was sorry he had created people on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled Only one man, named Noah, found favor in God’s eyes ” Present Noah and his wife.

“God had a plan ”

“God told Noah to build an ark ” Set up the ark backdrop behind the brown fel t. “He said to take some of every kind of animal inside so that his family and all of the animals would be safe f rom what was about to happen ”

Place the animals on the underlay.

“Noah did everything God told him to do ” Move animals inside the door of the ark.

“ When they were all safe inside ”

Pause; put Noah inside the ark, “God closed the door ” Use a hand motion to close the door.

“And it began to rain, and rain, and rain for 40 days ” Place the blue fel t over the brown fel t. “And the rain washed away all that was wrong in the world

But God’s presence was with them in the ark ”

Place both hands over the ark.

“ When the water went away, and the earth was dry, Noah, his family, and the animals left the ark…” Take the animals out of the ark. “ Then Noah built an altar and worshiped God.” Pile up the rocks. 6

“God made a promise to begin again with Noah and his family. He sent a rainbow as a sign of his covenant with Noah. A covenant is a promise. God said, ‘I will never wash the whole earth with a flood again.’ ” Using your hand, create a rainbow over Noah. “He told them to f ill the earth and multiply. And they did.”

Pause for a moment to reflect. Put away Noah’s story except the brown fel t.

“Noah’s small family became a large people group.” Bring out more people. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before their sin separated them f rom God again, and things got worse!”

“Many of the people traveled to a city called Babel ” Place the city backdrop. “ and instead of f illing the earth, they stayed in one could be like God ”

Put blocks on top of each other to create a tower. “ They built a tall tower and tried to reach heaven so that everyone would see how great they were God knew their plan and caused them to speak in different languages so they couldn’t understand each other anymore When they saw their differences, they were confused! They stopped building the tower, separated f rom each other, and they also separated f rom God Move people away.

Sit back and look at the story in f ront of you, and leave space and quiet for the Holy Spirit, before you begin the wondering time.

“I wonder what will happen next ”

WONDERING TIME

Share the following wonder statements.

I wonder how Adam and Eve felt as they left the garden.

I wonder how you would feel if you were in this story.

I wonder why Cain walked away f rom God’s presence.

I wonder what he could have done differently.

I wonder what people thought about Noah building a great big boat on dry land

I wonder what Noah told the people watching

2 Peter 2:5 says Noah was a preacher of righteousness I wonder what that might mean in this story

I wonder what it sounded like when people started talking in different languages

I wonder how they found other people who spoke the same language

I wonder if God’s presence went with them when they left Babel

I wonder if the story keeps getting worse

PROPS

NOVEMBER

New pieces: a chain, paper backdrops for a desert and tabernacle, brown and blue felt piece to represent the Red Sea and the Jordan River, the Ark of the Covenant, the curtain, stone tablets, a scroll, and wooden pieces (sword, shepherd’s crook, crown, and book)

Previous pieces: all peg people, three rocks, black felt, and three blocks

STORY SCRIPT - PAR

Bring out the desert background.

“Once there was a man named Abram and his wife Sarai They did not know God, but he knew them The one true God loved them and said, ‘Move f rom your home and go to a new land that I will show you. I will go with you and bless you to be a blessing to the world ’ ” Move Abram and Sarai.

“He promised they would have a family far greater than the stars in the sky” move your hand over the sky “or sand on the shore” pretend to pick up sand and sift it through your f ingers.

“ They would become a great nation, and he would give them a land of their own ”

“Abram and Sarai packed up their belongings and went.” Move Abram and Sarai.

“ They didn’t know where but God did They trusted the one true God to show them the way Every place they went,” move Abram and Sarai, “God’s presence was with them ” Place your hands over them.

“God made a covenant with Abram. A covenant is a promise between God and his people, and he always keeps his promises. He told Abram, ‘I will make you the father of many nations, and I will change your name to Abraham. Sarai will be Sarah, the mother of nations.’ Finally, they settled in the land that God had promised them.” Move them again.

“Abraham and Sarah had children,” bring in a few peg dolls, “and their children had children,” bring in a few more peg dolls. “ This was an important family in God’s story They were God’s people They were God’s storykeepers, so someday the whole world would know God’s story In time, there was no food to eat, so the family went to Egypt, where there was land, rain, and crops They stayed there for many years and grew to be a great nation ” Bring out more people. “But in time, the pharaoh made their people slaves ” Place a chain around the people. “He was cruel and forced them to work hard They cried out to God for rescue, and he did so through a baby named Moses He grew up, became a great leader, and told Pharaoh

Present Moses. “After blood, bugs, boils, and more, Moses and God’s people packed up their belongings,” open the chain, “and left They didn’t know where but God did!” Move Moses.

“ They trusted the one true God to show them the way ” Move the people.

Place the blue fel t sea down. “ They came to a sea,” move Moses toward the sea, “and God rescued his people by turning the sea into dry land ” Roll back the blue-fel t sea on each side and begin to move people. “ When they got to th people, “God closed the waters ” Roll the sea closed.

“ They wandered in the desert for 40 years because even with God's presence, his protection, and a great promise, they forgot to worship him as their King. They kept getting lost in the desert and lost f rom God, but his presence never left them.”

“While they were in the desert, God gave them ten rules to live by. He wrote them with his own finger on stone tablets.” Put out the two tablets. “He told them to follow these rules, but as we will see, they didn’t follow them very well.”

“God asked them to build a large tent, a tabernacle, so he could live among them.” Put out the tabernacle backdrop and place the Ark of the Covenant block between the wall and the curtain. “As soon as they built it, God’s glory filled the tent. God’s presence came like a cloud by day and fire by night His presence was with them on their journey, just like he was with Abraham After all, they were God’s people They were God’s storykeepers so someday the whole world would know God’s story ”

“When they came close to the land God had promised Abraham, Moses died, and God gave them another leader, Joshua ” Remove Moses by placing him in one hand and placing your other hand over hi tl place him back in the box. Then, place another Joshua.

“They came to the Jordan River, and it was very deep! God rescued his people again ” Place the blue and brown felt down again and roll back the water. “As soon as the priests dipped their toes in the water, God caused the river to stop flowing God wanted them to remember this special day, so he told them to gather 12 large rocks from the river, and they obeyed ” Pile up rocks next to the blue felt. “They piled the rocks on top of each other so that when their children asked the meaning of the rocks, the pare rocks help us remember that God is all-powerful He walked us through the Red Sea.’” Pointing back toward Egypt, ‘to rescue us from Egypt. He walked us through the Jordan River to bring us home. God kept his covenant.’”

“When they met with trouble, God helped them. When they said they were sorry, God forgave them. When they needed protection, God protected them. A covenant is a promise between God and his people, and God always keeps his promises.” Pause. “His people did not.”

them God gave them priests to lead them to God, but the priests were like shepherds who didn’t protect their sheep ” put down a shepherd's crook. “God gave them kings ” put down a crown “because they wanted to be like other nations God warned them this would not make them happy, but they didn’t listen King Saul was a disappointment But King David was a good king He was a man after God’s heart King Solomon built God a temple, a place for his presence to live ” Build a temple with 3 blocks. “But most kings didn’t listen to God Then the people even forgot to listen to God ”

“God gave them many prophets to speak for him,” put down a scroll, “and to remind them how far they had separated from him Even though God never left them, they didn’t listen to the prophets or come any closer to him ”

“Armies came and tore down God’s temple ” knock down the blocks, “and took God’s people away so they lived in exile in Babylon.” Put down a chain. “God’s presence went with them, and he promised someday he would bring them home. After all, they were God’s people. They were God’s storykeepers so the whole world would someday know God’s story.”

“Many years later, some of God’s people were released from slavery and came back home, but others chose to stay in exile.” Remove the chain. “Those who returned rebuilt the temple so they could worship God.” Put the temple blocks back together. “Would God’s people love him and follow his rules?”

“For so long, many of them had forgotten him. Others had chosen to worship God alongside foreign gods. Were they ready to listen? Would they finally choose God as their King?” Pause.

“No, they hadn’t changed their ways. But God didn’t change, and he never will. One last prophet,” bring in a prophet next to the scroll, “gave them a message from God, ‘If you return to me, I will return to you.’ God didn't want to be separated from his people. But most of them didn’t listen and continued to worship other gods.”

“A few of them heard and did what was right, and their names were written in a book in God’s presence ” Place the book down. “He remembered each of them They were God’s people They were God’s storykeepers so someday the whole world would know God’s story ”

“The prophet told them,” point to the prophet, “that one day another prophet would prepare a way for the true King,” point to the crown, “of the world to come and bring God’s kingdom with him But many of God’s people just stopped listening, stopped worshiping, and sin and evil continued to grow Something strange happened God became silent ” Pause. “And he stayed silent ” Pause. “And they waited, and they waited for 400 long years to hear him again ”

Sit back and look at the story. Leave space and quiet for the Holy Spirit to speak before you begin the time of wondering.

“I wonder what will happen next ”

WONDERING TIME

Share the following wonder statements:

I wonder if God still makes promises as he did with Abraham.

I wonder if God still rescues people as he did with Moses and Joshua.

I wonder if the 10 rules written in stone are for me, too.

I wonder if God will send anyone to help them.

I wonder why God became silent.

I wonder if God will ever rescue them again.

I wonder if people worship other gods (idols) today.

I wonder where I fit into this story.

I wonder if we could put our names in God’s book.

DECEMBER

PROPS

New pieces: a stable, a manger with baby Jesus, Joseph, Mary, an angel, a shepherd, a sheep, a donkey, a purple underlay, a tan piece of felt for the road, a paper backdrop for the shepherds’ field.

STORY SCRIPT

“God was silent for 400 years Only a few were listening for his voice Now, at last, he had a big announcement to make. Long ago, God made a promise to his people, and God always keeps his promises. God would help his people, but how ? What would he do? Would he f ight a battle with their enemies? ” Place the sword on the table. “ Would he write on more tablets? ” Place the stone tablets on th Pause.

“No, his plan was more wonderful than that. He would come to live among in the middle of a dark night, when no o looking, and almost no one was listenin This was a night to remember and a sto share!” Pick up the sword and tablets, unfold the purple underlay. Place Mary and Joseph in separate places.

“First, God sent an angel to visit a young couple in Nazareth, Mary and Joseph, who were planning to marry ” Place the angel next to Mary. “One night, the angel Gabriel visited her and said, ‘Do not be af raid, Mary! God is very happy with you You will have a baby boy, and you must name him Jesus He will be the Son of God!’ Although Mary felt f rightened and confused, she told him, ‘I will serve the Lord. May everything happen just as you said.’ ”

Move the angel next to Joseph. “An angel also visited Joseph while he was sleeping and told him not to be afraid to marry Mary. He comforted Joseph, saying, ‘Her baby is a gift from the Holy Spirit. His name is Jesus, and he will save his people from their sins.’ And Joseph took Mary as his wife.” Take away the angel and stand Mary and side by side.

Lay down the brown felt road and place Mary, Joseph, and the donkey at one end and the stable at the other end. “Before Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Roman Emperor required that everyone return to their hometown to be counted so they could pay their taxes Mary and Joseph began the long trip to Bethlehem ” Walk Mary, Joseph, and the donkey on the road. “When they arrived, there were so many visitors that they had no place to stay They slept in a room filled with animals, and there Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God ”

“God’s silence was broken, but only Mary, Joseph, and a few animals heard the sound of God’s voice, and it sounded like the cry of a newborn baby! Mary gently wrapped the baby in a blanket and laid him in the straw-f illed manger ” Place the baby and the manger next to Mary. Sit silently for a moment

Place the shepherd and sheep in f ront of the Shepherd’s f ield. “Out in the nearby f ields, shepherds were still awake, watching their sheep Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared, and God’s glory lit up the sky all around them ” Bring out the angel and hold him in the sky over the shepherds. “ The shepherds were terrif ied! He told them, ‘Do not be af raid! I bring you wonderful news that will make everyone happy Today, in Bethlehem, a Savior has been born! He is the Messiah, the Lord This is how you will recognize him: You will f ind a baby wrapped in cloths, and sleeping in a manger ’ ”

Place your hand over the backdrop representing angels. Suddenly, the sky was f illed with a large army of angels praising God and singing this song: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven! And peace on earth to the people who please him!’ ”

Begin moving the shepherd to Bethlehem. “ The shepherds began shouting, ‘Let’s hurry to Bethlehem!’ ‘Yes! Let's see this amazing thing the Lord has told us about.’ ” Move the shepherd and sheep to the stable. “ They ran to town and found the baby and his parents, just as they had been told. The shepherds entered the room and worshiped baby Jesus. Surely this is Emmanuel; God is now with us.” Sit back and say, “I wonder what will happen next.”

Wondering Time

Share the following wonder statements:

I wonder what Mary and Joseph talked about on the long walk to Bethlehem.

I wonder what Mary thought when she laid God’s son in an animal's feeding box.

I wonder how the shepherds felt when the sky f illed with bright light and angels

I wonder what the people in Bethlehem thought when the local shepherds came rushing into town in the middle of the night, talking about angels

JANUARY

PROPS

New pieces: 3 wise men, camel, treasure box, and gems to decorate, star, dove, fish, fishnet, picture discs of miracles, a banquet table, two food picture discs, and a mountain (cup) (Children can choose any 3 small items in your home to represent gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and place them in the treasure box )

Previous pieces: snake, scroll, crown, sword, shepherd’s crook, various felt pieces (as seen in the pictures), Mary, Joseph, angel, small peg doll for young Jesus, additional peg dolls, and desert backdrop.

STORY SCRIPT - PART 1

Wisemen Visit Jesus

Use the tan underlay for each part of the story this month. Take out the wise men, star, scroll, and Nativity scene with Mary and Joseph, a small peg doll for Jesus, and the treasure box.

“ When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, severa wise men f rom the east saw a new star in th sky and traveled to Jerusalem looking for the child who was King of the Jews.” Hold the st up in f ront of the wise men. “King Herod w very upset about this His priests searched th scripture and found the prophecy saying tha the child was to be born in Bethlehem. Hero sent the wise men to f ind him, saying he wanted to worship the child too ”

“They followed the same star, and it stopped right over the house of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus ” Move the wise men to the home of Mary and Joseph. “The family welcomed the strangers into their home They bowed down to worship Jesus, opened their treasure chest, and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh ”

“When the wise men left to travel back home, they made sure to go a different way and not to visit Herod, since God warned them in a dream about Herod’s plans to kill Jesus ” Put away the Nativity scene.

The Return From Egypt

Use your desert backdrop for Egypt, Mary, Joseph, and a small peg doll for Jesus as a child.

“After the wise men left for home, God warned Joseph in a dream to escape to Egypt ” Move the family to Egypt “They stayed far away from Herod until it was safe After Herod died, an angel told Joseph in a dream that they could return home Mary, Joseph, and Jesus went home to Nazareth, and that’s where Jesus grew up ” Change the small Jesus peg doll to a larger one “As he grew, he gained wisdom and an understanding of who he was and what he was called to do. This pleased God and all the people around him.” Put away Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Jesus is Baptized

Use a peg doll for John, and the felt Jordan Rive “Around thirty years after Jesus was born, his cousin, John, began preaching. He was the prophet who would prepare the way for the true ‘King of the world’ to come and bring God’s kingdom with him.” Bring out John the Baptizer. “He told people to repent of their sins and turn back to God because his kingdom was coming soon! He baptized people in the Jordan River. God’s people had crossed that same river 1400 years ago as they entered the promised land. Just as that crossing symbolized a new beginning for his people, baptism is a new b who is washed clean from sin John told the people, Get ready and get clean - God’s kingdom was coming, and they had a job to do ”

Take out Jesus, a felt river, and a dove.

“One day, Jesus came to the river to be baptized too. He didn’t need to get clean, and he knew what he was called to do, but he came to fulfill all the prophets had told. The rescue plan had begun! Jesus went under the water, and when he came back up, the heavens opened.” Use the Jordan River felt and place Jesus under the blue felt and up again. “God’s spirit came down like a dove” place a dove next to Jesus, “and settled on him. Then a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.’”

Put away John and the felt river.

Jesus is Tempted in the Wilderness

Take out the desert backdrop, Jesus, the dove, and the snake. “This same Spirit who came from God at the baptism led Jesus into the wilderness ” Move him into the wilderness

“The evil one, Satan, met him there and planned to trick Jesus like he did Adam and Eve in the garden His plan was different from God’s Kingdom story ” Put the snake out and move it around Jesus' feet. “Jesus didn’t eat for 40 days and nights, and was very hungry The evil one suggested that Jesus turn stones into bread since he had the power to do so But Jesus said no, and used God’s word to tell him why Move the snake back away.

“Then, the evil one,” move the snake around his feet again, “tried to get Jesus to jump from the top of the temple He said, ‘Why don’t you jump and then ask the angels to keep you safe?’ But Jesus said no, and used God’s word to tell him why not ” Move the snake back away.

Move the snake around Jesus' feet again. “Then he promised to give Jesus all the kingdoms in the world and told him, ‘All you have to do is worship me.’ But Jesus said no, and used God’s word to tell him why not.” Move the snake back away.

“Jesus understood the evil one was tempting him to take a shortcut to God’s plan. He chose a different path, the one he and his Father laid out long ago. He came to suffer…and sacrifice…and save his people.” Pick up the dove again in your hands. “His power came from the Holy Spirit and prayer, not from the evil one.”

“And then the evil presence left defeated!” Put the snake away. “And the angels,” bring out an angel, “came to take care of Jesus. This was not the last time Jesus would have trouble. This was a dangerous rescue plan!”

Jesus Teaches in the Synagogue

Take out the scroll, a crown, and black felt. You will be adding multiple symbols to the felt.

“After his time in the wilderness, Jesus went to the synagogue in his hometown to preach.” Lay down the scroll on the black felt. “He opened the scroll from the prophets and read, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me This is because God chose me to tell the Good News to the poor God sent me to tell the prisoners of sin that they are free, and to tell the blind that they can see again God sent me to free those who have been treated unfairly, and to announce the time when the Lord will show kindness to his people ’”

“He looked at the people and said, ‘While you heard these words just now, they were coming true!’ After he finished reading the scripture, Jesus announced the good news that God’s kingdom ha crown on the black felt. “The people in his home words and tried to kill him But God showed him h

Jesus Calls His Disciples

Place this story next to the black felt. Jesus and 4 peg people - blue and green felt, small fish, and black fishnet. Place peg people at the edge of the water with the net and the fish.

“Not long after that day in the synagogue, Jesus was walking along the Sea of Galilee, and he called two fishermen, Peter and Andrew, and said, ‘Come follow me, I can teach you how to fish for people!’ Then he called two more brothers, James and John, and invited them to follow. They jumped out of their boat and followed Jesus. This was the beginning of a brand new community that would grow. Soon, he would call more people. They were his people. They were his storykeepers, so someday the whole world would know his story was God’s story.”

“God's people had been waiting for a Messiah, someone to deliver them, but they thought this Messiah would be a powerful king with an army that would defeat their enemies.” Lay down the sword. “Instead, Jesus introduced them to a new kingdom, one where he had the power to deliver people f rom sickness, evil spirits, and death He came to deliver them f rom their greatest enemy - the evil one, Satan, who only wants people to know death and destruction. Jesus came not to be an earthly king but a heavenly one, who would destroy evil forever.”

Jesus Performs Miracles

Take out the four round discs with pictures of miracles and place them on the black fel t as you tell the story. Use several peg dolls to represent the religious leaders.

“Some of the ways Jesus showed he was Lord of creation were by calming a storm, walking on water, multiplying bread and f ish, and turning water into wine. The Creator himself had come to renew all of creation, and this was only the beginning. He taught people how to pray, love their enemies, and welcome sinners He also taught them how important children were to God Many people repented, believed, and followed him, but not everyone The religious leaders were angry. They didn’t like his followers, his miracles, his words, or his actions. They hated him. He was changing all their rules, and they thought he was dangerous, so they planned to stop him ”

Put the religious leaders, the black fel t, and the symbols away.

The Transfiguration

Use four peg dolls for Jesus and three disciples. Take out the tan felt underlay and mountain.

“For three years, Jesus taught and healed and showed people what it meant to be part of God’s Kingdom When he knew the rescue plan was almost complete, he told his discipl he must go to Jerusalem, where he would be killed and then raised from the dead His disciples were confused. He also said they would suffer too. This was more confusing. Something had changed. What did he mean

“Before he traveled to Jerusalem, he took three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John, to a mountain to be alone.”

Place Jesus on top of the mountain with disciples watching from below.

“When they got to the top, they watched as Jesus was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light ” Bring out two more peg dolls. “Suddenly, Moses and Elijah, two great prophets from long ago, appeared and began talking with Jesus A cloud came and covered all of them,” Place your hand over them to represent the cloud and God’s presence, “and a voice said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son Listen to him ’ Suddenly, when they looked around, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus with them. He told his friends, ‘Don’t tell anyone about this until I rise from the dead.’ Of course, they agreed, but they had no idea what he meant by ‘rise from the dead ’”

Jesus Tells About the Kingdom of God

Use two peg dolls for the religious leaders, one for Jesus, extra peg dolls for the banquet, a wooden table, and two plates of food.

“Many times, Jesus told stories about the Kingdom of God Once he was at a religious leader’s home for dinner, and he told a story about a man who gave a great banquet ” Put down a table and plates of food.

“This is the story he told them: when the foo was ready, the man invited all his guests to come and eat But many refused his invitatio and gave excuses why they couldn’t come S he sent his servant to invite people who wouldn't normally be invited people who were poor, disabled, lonely, and unpopular

Everyone was welcome to come to the banquet. Even after many showed up, there was still room, so the man sent his servants to look everywhere for more people to come. He wanted his house to be full. But those who refused to attend the banquet would never get to taste his good food.”

Sit back and look at the story in f ront of you, and leave space and quiet for the Holy Spirit before you begin the wondering time.

WONDERING TIME

Share the following wonder statements:

I wonder how long the wise men followed the star

I wonder what Jesus was like as a child

I wonder how John felt baptizing Jesus

I wonder why God sent his Spirit as a dove

I wonder if Jesus was af raid of the snake

I wonder if I could use God’s word when I am tempted

I wonder if Jesus’ followers ever felt nervous or homesick after they followed Jesus

I wonder what the disciples felt when they saw Moses and Elijah with Jesus

I wonder why so many people were angry with Jesus

I wonder if there are more stories of Jesus we could tell with the story pieces

I wonder what happens next

FEBRUARY

PROPS

New pieces: palm leaves, felt squares as cloaks, two brown felt roads, a map of Jerusalem, a new cloth curtain, gold felt to represent the temple, coins, a dove, and an upper room backdrop, a wine cup, a two-sided bread disc, a towel, a basin, two brown felt rectangles for tables, Garden of Gethsemane backdrop, green felt for the garden

Previous pieces: peg people for Jesus and the disciples

STORY SCRIPT - PART 1

The laminated map of Jerusalem will help you place your props and backdrops on the burlap before you begin telling the story. This is found in your February resource bag.

“ Today’s story is the one that every other story points to Come with me to Jerusalem ” Move your hand over the entire city “Inside these city walls, it may look quiet now, but soon it will be f illed with people and much excitement Let’s see how God’s great rescue plan unfolds ”

Jesus is Welcomed as a King

Place Jesus and the disciples near the Mount of Olives.

“ When Jesus and the three disciples came down f rom the mountain, they joined the other disciples and began the journey to Jerusalem. Along the way, Jesus continued to tell them that he would die. You can read more about it here in God’s Word.” Point to the Bible.

Take out palm leaves and fel t squares to throw on the road, the brown fel t road, the donkey, Jesus, and peg people for the crowd.

“ They traveled to the Mount of Olives, and Jesus sent two of his disciples to get a young donkey because he needed it for a special journey ”

Move two disciples and the donkey to Jesus. “This fulfilled another prophecy from long ago. Jesus was ready to confront the powers of darkness. He was the true King and would fight with the enemy of God’s Kingdom.” Hold Jesus and the donkey together as you move them toward the temple. The disciples will follow behind. “As they came close to Jerusalem, people began to celebrate and throw their coats and palm branches along the road.” Scatter leaves and felt pieces on the road. “Many people, especially the children, began to shout praises to Jesus, saying, ‘Hosanna, please save us, son of David! God bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

Entering Jerusalem

Take out the new cloth curtain, gold felt for the temple floor, brown table, coins, dove, the Ark of the Covenant, Temple backdrop, Jesus, and peg people for the religious leaders.

Move Jesus to the temple. “Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem on the first day of the week The city was filled with excitement, but Jesus began to cry ” Pause. “He visited the temple The leaders had made God’s house a place where they stole from the poor Instead of a house of prayer, it was a meeting place for cruel and powerful people So Jesus drove out the doves and other animals for sale, and pushed over the tables so that money was scattered everywhere ” Scatter the coins around the temple. “The religious leaders were angry with his actions and mad that children were singing songs about him Jesus responded to them, saying, ‘Why are you surprised? Don’t you read what the scriptures say?’ After this, he left Jerusalem and spent the night in the town of Bethany ” Move Jesus, the donkey, and the disciples over to Bethany near the Mount of Olives on the map. “The religious leaders began to put their plan in place to kill Jesus They didn’t know that God had a bigger plan ”

Judas Betrays Jesus

Take out coins, peg people for Judas, and religious leaders in the Temple. “Later that week, after dinner, a woman anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, secretly left to meet with the leaders at the temple.” Walk Judas to the temple. “He asked how much money they would pay him to hand over Jesus. Judas understood they wanted to arrest Jesus. Together they agreed that he was worth 30 pieces of silver.” Place the coins at his feet. “Judas took the money and promised to help them capture Jesus.”

Passover and the Last Supper

Take out the upper room backdrop, wine cup, two-sided bread disc, towel, basin, brown felt rectangle for the table, and peg people.

“That week, Jesus told more stories about God’s Kingdom, and many wonderful things happened that you can read about here in God’s Word.”

Point to the Bible. “God put in place his big rescue plan, which would happen during the great festival of Passover. On Thursday evening, Jesus and his disciples gathered for the Passover meal. Every year, God’s people remembered that God rescued them from slavery in Egypt. All of God’s people ate bread without yeast and put lamb’s blood over their doors, just like they had long ago But it didn’t feel like a great festival in the upper room where Jesus and his friends met ” Hold the towel and basin. “Becoming the servant, Jesus washed all their feet and talked of death and betrayal Then Jesus broke the bread into pieces and told them,” Hold the bread disc and then turn over to see the broken bread, “‘This bread is my body broken for you, take and eat ’” Hold the cup up. “Then he held up the cup and said, ‘This wine is my blood and with it begins a new covenant, a new promise from God My blood is poured out for many to forgive their sins Everyone, take and drink it ’ This new promise would end the separation between God and people God would forgive their sins The rescue plan was about to be carried out But how would they know when it was finished? What sign would they look for?”

The Garden of Gethsemane

Take out the Garden backdrop, green felt for the garden, two trees, a rock, and peg people for Jesus and 3 disciples.

“After their meal, they went to the Garden of Gethsemane ” Walk Jesus and the disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane. “When they arrived, Jesus asked them to stay awake and pray while he prayed alone ” Move Jesus to the rock to pray “He asked his father if there was a way to avoid dying No matter what God’s answer was, Jesus would do his will. Finally, he told his disciples, ‘Look, the one who is betraying me is here.’”

Sit back and look at the story in front of you, and leave space and quiet for the Holy Spirit before you begin the wondering time.

“I wonder what will happen next.”

WONDERING TIME

Share the following wonder statements:

I wonder why Jesus began to cry when he entered the city.

I wonder why Jesus was so angry at the temple.

I wonder what Jesus said to each disciple as he washed their feet.

I wonder how Jesus must have felt while praying in the garden.

I wonder what your favorite part of this story is so far.

I wonder what the disciples were thinking when Jesus was praying in the garden

I wonder if I have ever betrayed Jesus

PROPS

FEBRUARY

New pieces: cross, sticky putty, a Calvary backdrop, the tomb, gray foam stone, white gauze to wrap around the body, and a candle.

Previous pieces: donkey, Jesus, peg people for the crowd

STORY SCRIPT - PART 2

“At the end of Act 1, Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane and told his disciples that someone was coming to betray him. Let’s f ind out what happens next ”

Jesus Arrested

Take out the Garden of Gethsemane backdrop, green fel t for the garden, green fel t for the garden, rock, trees, sword, peg people for Judas, and a soldier.

Move Judas and the soldiers to the area with the disciples.

“Judas came to the garden with an army of soldiers to arrest Jesus. The disciples were ready to f ight,” Hold up the sword, “but Jesus said, ‘No weapons! Don’t you realize my Father in Heaven has an angel army much larger than this one, but I don’t need their help because this is God’s rescue plan.’ He turned to those who came to arrest him and said, ‘ This is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns ’ ”

Jesus On Trial

“ The religious and political leaders decided to crucify Jesus.” Hold up the cross, then place it on the map at Calvary. “It was a terrible night for Jesus and his followers, and you can read more about it in God’s Word ” Point to the Bible.

Jesus On the Cross

Take out the cross, sticky putty, Calvary backdrop, peg people for a soldier, and onlookers.

Move Jesus to the cross at Calvary. You can use the putty to attach Jesus to the cross. “The next morning, soldiers led Jesus to a hill called Calvary, outside of Jerusalem, to crucify him.” Place Jesus on the cross. “At noon, darkness covered the whole land for three hours.” Pause. “From the cross, Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.’ And later he said, ‘It is finished.’” Pause. “Finally, Jesus took his last breath, and at that very moment, the earth shook, rocks split apart, and the curtain in the temple was ripped in two from top to bottom This was the sign It Was Finished ” Pick up the curtain in the temple and rip it apart with great ceremony. Pause for a moment. “Soldiers standing at the cross looked up at Jesus and said, ‘This man truly was the Son of God!’”

Jesus is Buried

Take out the tomb, gray foam stone, and white gauze to wrap around the body.

“Before the evening came, a friend of Jesus took him from the cross to bury him ” Slowly take Jesus off the cross and wrap the body. “He bought a long sheet of linen cloth, wrapped the body, and laid it in a tomb that had never been used ” Place the body inside the tomb. “Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance ” Place the stone in front of the tomb. “The women who stood by and watched Jesus on the cross followed them to the tomb and watched They went home to prepare spices for his body, but because it was now Sabbath, they rested ”

A Day of Waiting

Take out a guard with a sword, a tomb, and a stone.

“On Saturday, the day after Jesus was crucified, guards were sent to the tomb to keep watch so that no one would try to steal his body ” Place a guard with a sword in front of the tomb. “All of Jesus’ followers gathered together to wait and wonder what would happen next.” Point to the upper room.

Jesus

Rises From the Dead

Take out the angel, the woman, and the battery candle. Take Jesus out of the tomb, roll the stone to the side, leave the cloth, and place the candle inside before you begin.

“Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and the other women went to the tomb to anoint his body.”

Move several women to the tomb. “ When they got there, the stone was rolled away f rom the entrance ” Hold the angel. “An angel spoke to them, saying, ‘Do not be af raid. I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucif ied. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said he would. Come and see the place where he lay ’ They left quickly to tell his disciples, ‘He has risen f rom the dead ’ ”

Jesus Appears to his f riends

Take out the brown fel t road and numerous peg people. Move Jesus to the women. “Jesus f irst appeared to Mary Magdalene and the other women ” Bring in two people f rom the upper room. “Peter and John also came to the tomb and saw that his body was missing, but many of the disciples struggled to believe he was alive.” Move Jesus to the disciples on the Emmaus Road, “ Then he appeared to two disciples on their way home to Emmaus They didn’t know it was him until he broke the bread in their home ” Show the bread again. “He appeared to all of the disciples,” Move Jesus to the upper room, “and then he appeared to more than 500 of his f riends gathered together.”

Forty Days with Friends

“Jesus spent 40 days with his f riends helping them understand the hidden mystery of God’s plan. He ate with them, let Thomas touch his nail prints, cooked breakfast, and even helped them catch f ish. The Kingdom of God had come Jesus conquered the Kingdom of Darkness and Death But the story isn’t over yet There is more to come ”

Sit back and look at the story in f ront of you, and leave space and quiet for the Holy Spirit before you begin the wondering time.

“I wonder what will happen next ”

WONDERING TIME

Share the following wonder statements:

I wonder who Jesus was forgiving while he was on the cross I wonder what was happening to Jesus f rom Friday night to Sunday morning

I wonder what happened after the 40 days.

I wonder what part of this story you liked the best. I wonder what Jesus' f riends were feeling after he died

MARCH

PROPS

New pieces: Mount of Olives, a gift box and flame, cloud, two angels, flashlight, basket, twine (tie twine to basket), boat. Previous pieces: peg people, crown, blue/tan felt river, chain, table, bread disc, wine cup, city backdrop, scroll, coins

STORY SCRIPT - PART 1

To set up the story, use the laminated map of Jerusalem and your props f rom last month. You may choose whether to put out the tomb and cross. After watching the video, you will see where to place the new props.

The Ascension of Jesus

Take out the Mount of Olives, gift box with flame, cloud, peg people for Jesus and disciples, and an angel.

“After Jesus rose f rom the dead, he visited hi f riends many times to prove he was alive. He took them to the Mount of Olives and discussed the Kingdom of God ” Put down the crown. “ They all got very excited and we ready to go tell everyone, but Jesus said, ‘Do not leave Jerusalem until my Father sends you a gift ’ ” Put down a gift box with a flam inside. “ ‘You remember that baptism is a new beginning. John baptized people with water but soon, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit When the Spirit comes, he will give you the power to tell my story ’ Jesus wanted them to know they were his people They were his storykeepers, so someday the whole world would know his true story.”

“He told them to start spreading the good news in Jerusalem and then go to Judea,” move your hand north a short distance, “and Samaria,” move your hand north and a bit farther away, “and then to the ends of the world.” Spread your hands out to show a large distance east and west. “He said, ‘I want you to go and make more followers by baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.’ ” Make the sign of the cross next to the mountain. “ ‘ Teach the believers to obey everything I told you. And remember,’ ” say this slowly “ ‘I am with you always, even to the end of time.’ When he f inished talking, he reached out his hands and blessed them.” Hold your hand out over his f riends. “ Then he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching ” Put Jesus behind the cloud and move Jesus away. “He sat down right next to God, and they could no longer see him While they were trying to see him rise into heaven, suddenly angels stood among them ” Bring out an angel. “One asked, ‘ Why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken f rom you, but someday, he will return in the same way you saw him go!’ The disciples had so much to talk about!” Put the disciples in the upper room.

Pentecost

Take out the river, chain, table, bread disc, and wine cup. Move to the Upper Room, with disciples inside and people outside, closer to the temple.

“ Ten days later, the great Festival of Pente took place Thousands and thousands of people came to Jerusalem f rom faraway p to celebrate Many were God’s people who scattered during the Exile ”

“ While all of Jesus’ followers were in one ro suddenly there was a sound f rom heaven the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it the house.” Bring out a gift box and take the flame. “ Then, what looked like flames appeared and settled on each of them.” Put flames on their heads. “Everyone in the room was f illed with the Holy Spirit, and he gave all of them the ability to speak in different languages. The crowd outside heard the loud noise and came running. They were surprised to hear each of their languages spoken by the believers. When Peter saw the large crowd, he told them, ‘Jesus is the one you have all waited for, but you crucif ied him on a cross. He is God’s son, who died to forgive your sins and break the power of darkness.’ ”

“God’s story tells us that Peter ’s words flew like an arrow right to their hearts, and they began to ask him and the others, ‘ What should we do now ? ’ Peter told them, ‘It is simple. All you have to do is tell God you want to be forgiven for your sins. You can be baptized and receive the same gift of the Holy Spirit as we were given.’ This is God’s promise to everyone who wants to be God’s people.”

3000 People are Baptized in Jerusalem

Take out the blue and brown fel t for baptism, and peg people “That day, 3000 people believed that Jesus was God’s son, and they were baptized After this, many of them remained in Jerusalem and lived as one big family They shared bread and wine to remember Jesus, just as he told them to They shared everything They sold all that they owned and used the money to feed the poor They worshiped together every day and ate meals in each other ’s homes God’s word says that every day more people believed Jesus was God’s son, and they continued to join the community of believers ” Bring in more people.

Disciples Begin to Heal People in Jesus’ Name

Put Pharisees at the f ront of the temple, and place a man, lying on the ground, who couldn’t walk, and bring out Peter and John. “ The leaders thought they had stopped all of this by killing Jesus, but there were even more followers now Peter and John started healing people in the name of Jesus ” Help the man stand up, “and told anyone who would listen that Jesus was alive By now, 5000 people believed Jesus was God’s son. The temple leaders arrested the disciples ” Wrap Peter and John are in a chain “But so many peo the miracles and talking about Jesus that they f inally let the disciples go home.” Unwrap Peter and John. “From that time on, no follower of Jesus was safe in Jerusalem. That didn’t stop them f rom telling people about Jesus, though.”

Paul’s Story

Take out Paul, Jesus, the flashlight, and fel t road. “One man was very angry about Jesus. His name was Paul.” Place Paul in the story near the Temple.

“He wanted to kill everyone who followed Jesus. You can read stories about Paul in the book of Acts in God’s Word. He didn’t believe Jesus was God’s son. Everyone was af raid of him, and many new believers left Jerusalem, moved away, but continued to tell people about Jesus.” Move some people out of Jerusalem and to the north.

“At noon one day, Paul was traveling on the road to Damascus, and a bright light appeared. He fell to the ground.” Shine the flashlight. “ Then he heard a voice asking, ‘Paul, why are you treating me so badly ? ’ ” Stand Jesus in f ront of Paul, who is on the ground. “ ‘I am Jesus, and I want you to listen to me f rom now on ’ Meeting Jesus that day changed Paul’s life Soon, Paul was out telling people about Jesus and the Kingdom of God ”

God’s Kingdom Grows

Take out the basket and twine, laminated map of Paul’s journey, plastic boat, city backdrop, scroll, coins, an angel, soldier, flame, and Peter.

“ There are so many exciting stories in the Book of Acts, like when an angel appeared to a Roman soldier and told him to ask Peter to visit him When Peter shared the story of Jesus with them, they all received the gift of the Holy Spirit ” Place a flame over every person “Now all people were invited to be God’s people and a part of God’s kingdom ”

Use a city backdrop for this town. “Another time, Paul was teaching about Jesus in a town, and the people were so angry they wanted to kill him, so his f riends hid him in a basket and lowered him down a wall to escape the city ” Use the basket and twine to lower Paul to safety.

Use the laminated map of Paul’s journeys.

“ The good news of Jesus spread to the city of Antioch, 300 miles north of Jerusalem The city was f illed with people f rom all over the world

This is the f irst place where Jesus' followers were called Christians, which means ‘Christ-followers.’ They heard the good news that Jesus died, rose again, and was the king of the world, and they believed. Paul visited them to teach them more about Jesus. He also traveled to many other places to tell God’s story. Jesus was building a great big family to be his storykeepers and tell his story.

Paul and others traveled widely and were often kicked out of town. They talked about Jesus at the dinner table, on the road, and at the local church. After Paul left the city, he wrote them long letters to encourage them to follow Jesus even in diff icult times You can read these letters in God’s Word ” Put down a scroll.

Put out Paul and a few people. “Finally, Paul traveled to Jerusalem because the people were hungry and had no food. He brought money f rom other churches to feed them. He knew it was dangerous, but he risked his life to help them ” Make Paul lay down coins.

Put Pharisees and people in f ront of the temple. “Paul’s enemies found him and wanted to kill him, but Roman soldiers saved his life and shipped him off to prison,” Put Paul in the boat on the laminated map, “and eventually, he went to Rome, where he died. He had a wild adventure on his trips, and you can read more about it here in God’s word ” Point to the Bible. “Paul spent the rest of his life telling others about Jesus The Kingdom of God grew because everyone wanted to share the good news!”

“ The story isn’t over because Jesus said the Good News would reach the end of the earth, and it hasn’t yet.”

Sit back and look at the story in f ront of you, and leave space and quiet for the Holy Spirit before you begin the wondering time.

“I wonder what will happen next.”

WONDERING TIME

Share the following wonder statements:

I wonder what Jesus’ f riends thought when he went to heaven in a cloud. I wonder how the disciples felt when they received the gift of the Holy Spirit.

I wonder why people wanted to become Christians even though it was dangerous

I wonder why Christians today don’t share together as those early Christians did.

I wonder how Paul felt on his travels, telling others about Jesus and the Good News.

I wonder if you would risk your life to tell others about Jesus

Find a time to discuss your family’s part in God’s Story: Before you begin, take the world map and the bag with purple dots out of the resource bag

Parents: Read through this activity and choose how much information you want to share with your children You may want to condense this for younger ages The purple dot activity and videos are appropriate for all ages

Pray together that God will let this truth sink deep into your hearts You may choose to split this conversation into several parts if children have short attention spans

Parents: You may want to watch the Bible Project video before you show it to your children You may decide it is not age-appropriate for them Watch this short video to explain to your children how Heaven and Earth meet

Learn Where Heaven and Earth Overlap (6:43 minutes) Bible Project Video

Read out loud: “ The video explains how Adam and Eve were with God in the garden, but were separated because of their sin Only Jesus, God’s son, could bring the two kingdoms back together As Jesus' followers, we are given the power of the Holy Spirit to share the good news about God’s Kingdom. We continue the same work that Paul and the disciples started. We help bring Heaven to Earth. Children will begin to understand how they f it into God’s story. As storykeepers, we tell God’s Story and invite others to be a part of it. We can do that through our actions, too, such as feeding the poor, visiting the sick, inviting people into our homes for meals, and caring for God’s creation. These are all ways that God’s Kingdom grows.”

In this Bible Project video, the kingdom of God is represented by a blue circle, and the world’s kingdom by a red circle. Christians carry Jesus with them everywhere they go, and God’s Kingdom grows.

Your family has now told God’s story f rom creation, through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. They’ve learned how his f riends and followers shared the good news! We are now waiting for Heaven and Earth to come together again just as God planned. For 2000 years, God’s people have been telling this same story. We are part of God’s storykeepers.

The next 3-minute video shows God’s story spreading around the world. People who had never heard of Jesus were told the good news and followed him. This is exciting to watch. Many Christians continue to share the good news, and some risk their lives to do so!

Parents: watch “ The Spread of Christianity” with the children.

The Spread of Christianity (1:47 minutes)

After watching the video, discuss the topic of sharing the good news of God’s Kingdom Ask the children how each of them f it into God’s story

The purple dots in your resource bag will represent the places where your family has brought God’s kingdom to earth.

Use your world map f rom your Resource Bag, the peg people representing your family, and the purple dots for this activity

Where has your family shared the good news of God’s Story ? Move your peg people to each area of the world/city/state/or country and place them in that section Leave a purple dot on the map to represent where you shared about God’s Kingdom Moms and dads, where have you shared the good news even before you had children? Place purple dots on the map

God asked Paul and others to write letters to the people with whom they shared God’s story Is God calling you to go somewhere to share his story ? Maybe he is asking you to pray for another family who is sharing God’s Story right now in another country (If you pray for or support missionaries in parts of the world, place another purple dot )

Once you have placed your purple dots on the map, take a photo of your family with the map Pray for the places and people to whom you have brought the good news Because of your faithfulness, the kingdom of God is growing

Ask God where he wants you to share his story next Listen to where he may send you today, this month, or this year, then place a new purple dot on your map.

Go back to your purple dot map often this month and have family members share about their experience when sharing God’s Story with others. How did you spread God’s Kingdom? Was it with words or actions?

Families, you are part of God’s story! Next month, we will tell the f inal events in God’s Story. Here is a hint about the last part of the story:

“ The world, as it is, is not how it was meant to be. But the new creation that God is bringing will be glorious beyond our imagination.”

N.T. Wright

APRIL

PROPS

New pieces: Rainbow ribbon, gems, gold pen to write names on the Book of Life, green glitter underlay, throne room backdrop, street of gold with the river of life

Previous pieces: Chain, Book of Life cutout, peg dolls for Jesus and John, map of Paul’s journey, scroll, two angels, lamb, house backdrop and peg family, banquet table, food and drink, extra peg people for the banquet

STORY SCRIPT

The Beginning

Place the family peg dolls and the house over to the side.

“ This month, we come to the end of God’s story We f ind it in the last book of the Bible, called Revelation We have been telling the story each month, and we have f inally discovered the ending After Adam and Eve sinned, and people were separated f rom God, he waited a long time to send Jesus to rescue them Jesus completed his rescue plan on the cross and returned to Heaven to be at the side of God, the Father Jesus is waiting to return, so more people can accept his invitation to live with him forever ”

Jesus’ Disciples are God’s Storytellers

Take out a peg doll for John, a chain, and a ma

“Last month, we told the story of the disciples traveling to many places to share the good news of God’s Kingdom One disciple named John traveled f rom Jerusalem to another important city, Ephesus ” Move John onto the map. “Many people who lived there worshipped other gods John loved Jesus very much and loved telling other people about him He talked about Jesus so much that he was arrested ” wrap a chain around John,

“and sent to the small island of Patmos to live.” Place John on a small island near Ephesus. “ They sent him there so they wouldn’t have to listen to God’s Story anymore!” Unchain John and place the chain around the island.

John's Vision

Take out a peg doll for Jesus.

“But God had a big plan for John. One Sunday, while John was praying, something amazing happened. Jesus came to visit him in a vision, like in a dream, but he was awake.”

The Messages

Take out the scroll.

“Jesus asked John to write letters to seven churches ” Put down the scroll “ They needed a special message to help them do what was right and to remember how much God loved them They were being persecuted just because they were Christians, and Jesus had important things to tell them ”

The Throne Room

Take out the green circle underlay, backdrop, jewels, and angels. Lay down the green circle underlay, and move Jesus and John close to the circle.

“Jesus showed John many things in his vision, but toward the end of his visit, he showed him a beautiful throne room ” Put down the backdrop “He saw a rainbow around God's throne ” Put the rainbow ribbon around the green circle “Angels were singing: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God!’ ” Place two angels on the green circle near the throne.

The Lamb

Take out the lamb and angels.

“In this throne room, John saw someone very special - a Lamb He knew the Lamb was Jesus ” Place the Lamb in f ront of the throne “Remember, John the Baptizer said Jesus was the Lamb of God. Everyone around the throne bowed down to worship the Holy One.” Make the angels bow to the Lamb.

The Great Banquet

Take out the banquet table, food discs, bread, cup, and peg people.

“John heard many voices shouting praises to Jesus and saw they were having a banquet.” Place the table on the green circle, along with food, a cup, and bread, with people around the table. “An angel told John to write this down, ‘Blessed are all who are invited to the big wedding party for Jesus and his bride, who are God’s people!’ ”

The New Creation

Take out the gold street, river of life, book of life, jewels.

“At the end of the story, John saw a New Heaven and a New Earth completely restored. Everything was perfect and full of light. A new Jerusalem came down f rom Heaven with beautiful gates and glistening jewels.” Place jewels on the backdrop. “ There was no need for a temple because God’s presence f illed everything. No curtain would ever separate the people f rom their King again. A voice shouted f rom the throne, saying, ‘Now God will live among his people. He will wipe away every tear f rom their eyes. There will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain All the old ways are gone ’ Jesus reminded John to write all this down because his words are true and can be trusted ”

“ The streets were made of gold and a river of life flowed out f rom the throne ” Lay down the street of gold and the river. “ There was a special tree that helped make everyone well, and also many other trees with different f ruit for the nations God’s glory was the only light that was needed Every part of creation was made new This is where God would live forever with his people ”

“ Who are God’s people who can enter this beautiful place? Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life ” Lay down the Book of Life

The Ending

“Jesus said, ‘It is f inished I am coming soon!” Remove Jesus f rom the scene, and put John back on the island. “John wrote everything down to share with his f riends because John was one of God’s people He was an important storykeeper He shared God’s story with faithful followers who continued to share the story so that someday the whole world would know, and we would too Will you share God’s Story until the whole world knows that Jesus is our King and will return someday ? God has invited everyone to live with him forever, and that means you, too ”

Sit back and look at the story in f ront of you, and leave space and quiet for the Holy Spirit before you begin the wondering time.

“I wonder what will happen next.”

WONDERING TIME

Share the following wonder statements:

I wonder which part of the story you like best.

I wonder how John felt as Jesus showed him this vision.

I wonder how the people in the seven churches felt when they received their letters f rom John.

I wonder if there is even more to see in the New Heaven and New Earth.

I wonder what questions you may have about this story

I wonder where you see yourself in this story

I wonder who else needs to hear God’s Story

NOTE TO PARENTS:

Now that you have f inished watching the last video, your family may want to interact with the story You may use these suggestions or come up with your own creative ideas

Look at your God’s Story pieces f rom other months and discuss whom you might meet in the New Heaven and New Earth

Use your family peg doll pieces that you received in August to discuss the New Heaven and New Earth, and why you believe you will be there

Each person in your family may want to place their peg doll in the scene and wonder together

Who are the other family members and f riends who will gather with you?

If someone in the family is unsure of forgiveness, salvation, or needs assurance of their invitation to eternity with Jesus, stop and discuss this now

Pray together, thanking Jesus that someday you will meet him in this beautiful place

Helping your children grow ingrace and knowledge through play and wonder.

Telling God's Story is a fun and engaging way to present God's plan of redemption from Creation to New Creation. It is told over 9 months, giving families time to interact with the story each month. This type of storytelling is a child-centered approach and encourages wonder and play. This retelling of the biblical meta narrative is part of the Growing Families program for Asbury Theological Seminary families. This script is used in conjunction with on line demonstration videos and props provided through the program for at-home storytelling.

"Growing Families" is a one-year program that guides parents in discipling their children through digital and hands-on resources, experiential learning at home, and small-group accountability. This year of intentionality helps parents solidify spiritual practices and values that will aid in handing down the Christian faith to their children. Through service projects, small groups with mentors, and new family rhythms, families will "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (l Peter 3:18).

We hope that through the script, videos, and story pieces, each family will k now they are called to be Cod's storykeepers so that s omeday the whole world will know Cod's stor y

Formore informationaboutTellingGod'sStoryandGrowingFamilies, contact us atgrowing.families@asburyseminary.edu