IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

For the next week (04-10 Sep), we will repeat the lesson about Zacchaeus. This is to give you all, CBC educators and supervisors, enough time to prepare a very nice lesson, using all the resources provided and coming up with many visual resources of your own. Don't forget to share these with us sending your email to cbcblog@ymail.com.

For now, check out this really cool scenery. Pretty easy to do!

Can you guess what you need to create a scenery like this one?

Bear in mind you can substitute and improvise in case you do not have one or some of the materials.











The floor and background can be done with pretty much anything you want to use in any kind of surface you have available.

You can add sun and clouds to it, or concentrate solely on the characters.
















This little fellow is Zacchaeus. Could you guess he was made out of an Yakult bottle? But you can use Actimel, Vitality, etc.



I hope you enjoyed our suggestions! Have a wonderful lesson this Sunday!

BUT DON'T GO JUST YET!!!

Did you enjoy singing Zacchaeus song? We want to hear you singing and coming up with a choreography, hands gestures, anything to make the song even nicer. How about gathering the CBC educators in your branch and doing it together?

Better still, how about recording it and sending to the blog?

Let's get active and teach our children the Word of God!

TF Teen

Meeting number 4             

Biblical Reference:

Proverbs 3.12 and 1 Samuel 2.1-26

Purpose of the meeting:

Teach teenagers that God reprimands those who He loves.

Key verse:

“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.” (Proverbs 10.17)

Initiating the meeting:

Educator, start this meeting by asking: ‘how many teens feel misunderstood or rejected by their parents or responsible? Many times parents have attitudes that children doesn’t understand at that moment and they think that to determinate limits and standards of behavior are just ways of controlling them. On today’s meeting we will talk a little more about the importance of reprimanding.

Message that edify:

Reprimanding

          “Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. So he said to them: Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. No, my sons; the report I hear spreading among the LORD’s people is not good. If one person sins against another, God may mediate for the offender; but if anyone sins against the LORD, who will intercede for them? His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke…” (1 Samuel 2.22-26)

         We mentioned in the previous meeting about the love of God the father and the love of the earthly father to their children and also touched on something usual in a relationship between parents and children: reprimand. Most of the time parents are right on reprimanding their children, since many teenagers unfortunately decide to follow their own will and that’s what takes many of them to the path of vices, illness and perdition.

         One of the factors that is often seen in the teenage generation is the desire to solve things their own way and disobedience in the search for a false freedom. Observe the biblical example mentioned before, Hophni and Phinehas, they were sons of Eli the priest and they lived inside the temple of God, however see what the bible says about them: “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.” (1 Samuel 2.12).  Even being sons of a priest they used to do their own will, a proof is that even when they were reprimanded by their father, they stayed in error, and the consequence was death. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6.23). God wishes us all to take hold on eternal life, but we have to sacrifice our desires for Salvation.

         Those who seek God's face and are sincere with Him receive this free gift from God, because when we decide to practice the Word of God, He shows us our mistakes and corrects us not to turn from His Presence.

Conclusion:

        Teenagers, God always presents us the “formula”, the “direction”, the “manual” (show the bible) to live well. However, many people don’t receive this life because don’t want to follow the orientations of it (show the bible again). There are those who feel entitled to demand that the promises of God's Word be fulfilled in their lives, but do not live according to this Word. Let's say that a sick person goes to a hospital, talks to the doctor, and he guides them what to do and prescribes the appropriate medication. For the person to get better, this person has to do according to what he was directed by the doctor, otherwise he cannot complain he is still unwell. With our spiritual life it is the same, when we live according to the Word of God, repenting before God, then we have free access to His Presence. However, if we decide to live according to this world, we risk losing our salvation.

Activity of 4th Meeting

Debating the verse

            Write down the name of all teenagers in little pieces of paper, fold it and put it inside a plastic bag. Arrange the room in a circle and ask a teen to take a piece of paper. The one whose name has been removed should speak about what they understood about the verse. After expressing her thoughts the teen should take another name that will continue the debate. Keep listening to the opinion of three more teens. After that, ask to the group to answer some questions referring to this week’s topic.

ZACCHAEUS song!!!

      SING OUT LOUD!!!

 Click here to listen to the song

ZACCHAEUS SONG

Zacchaeus was a wee little man
And a wee little man was he
He climbed up in a sycamore tree
For the Lord he wanted to see
And as the Savior passed that way
He looked up in that tree
And He said, “Zacchaeus, you come down!
For I’m going to your house today
For I’m going to your house today”


Zacchaeus was a wee little man
But a happy man was he
For he had seen the Lord that day
And a happy man was he
And a very happy man was he

Zacchaeus 28-08-11

LESSON OF THE WEEK: ZACCHAEUS


Biblical Reference                                                  
Psalm 25.12 and Luke 19.1-10

Purpose of the lesson
Teach children that God forgives our mistakes and show us the way we should go.

Memorize the verse
“Who, then, are those who fear the LORD? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose”. (Psalm 25.12)

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 

Class: 2-3 year olds

Introduction


Educator, make a paper hat. Choose a kid and ask him/her to go to the front of the class and close his/her eyes. Meanwhile, ask to the assist educator to put the hat (the one you made) on another kid. Ask to the chosen kid: Which one of these friends is different? (Wait them to participate) Certainly the child with the hat will catch the eye. Say: This one (pointing to the kid with the hat) is different because he/she is wearing a little paper hat and that’s why he/she catches your eye. Today we will know the story about Zacchaeus that, to see Jesus, did something different. Let’s find out what did he do? Stay quiet, I am about to start.

Zacchaeus, the little man

THERE WAS a very short man (educator get down), his name was Zacchaeus. He worked receiving money (make a money gesture with your fingers and ask them to imitate). Buddies, Zacchaeus did something very wrong (make a serious face) because he kept the money from other people to himself. Can we do that, kids? (Wait them to participate) Of course not! (Wave negatively and ask them to imitate)
Zacchaeus found out that Jesus would be passing nearby his house and many people (make a gesture of quantity) stood there waiting Him to pass. But Zacchaeus could not see Jesus so he decided to climb a tree. What a dangerous thing, right kids? But Zacchaeus achieved what he wanted and when he was up above and Jesus looked to him and said: Zacchaeus get down and take me to your house. How nice! (Make an expression of joy) Jesus would stay in the house of Zacchaeus that day!
He was so happy that he apologized to Jesus for all the wrong things he did and he decided to give back to the people all the money he had stolen.

Conclusion

Zacchaeus apologized to Jesus and God taught him how to proceed. After that day he learned he should do good things that pleased God. Who here will obey and do everything right say “I will”. That’s right, Jesus will be very glad with you!!

Activities

- Drawing. For this activity you will need white cardboards. Cut out the cardboards in a tree shape (a tree for each cardboard). You will need one tree for every four children. Split the class in groups of four and give them crayons. Say: Children, today we heard the story of Zacchaeus, a very short man that climbed a tree to see Jesus. And now you are going to draw Zacchaeus on the tree. Educator, pay attention on the activity and congratulate the kids at the end


- Decorating the scene. Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus. Paint with crayons and glue little paper balls on the tree.
Ps: Educator, distribute pieces of crepe paper and ask to the kids to make little balls with it.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 

What is Zacchaeus doing up the tree?

Class: 4-7 year olds  

Introduction


Educator, make a paper hat. Choose a kid and ask him/her to go to the front of the class and close his/her eyes. Meanwhile, ask to the assist educator to put the hat (the one you made) on another kid. Ask to the chosen kid: In your opinion, which one of these friends catches your eye? Certainly the child with the hat will catch the eye. Say: This one (pointing to the kid with the hat) catches the eye because he/she is wearing something unusual, right? Nobody wears a paper hat. Today we will know the story about a man that, to see Jesus, did something different. Let’s find out what did he do? Stay quiet, I am about to start.

The story of Zacchaeus

THE BIBLE tells us the story of Zacchaeus, a tax-collector who lived deceiving people because he collected much more than they should pay. One day he found out that Jesus was coming to visit his city and he wanted to meet Him.
Many people were at the way waiting for Jesus to pass by. Zacchaeus was a very short man and realized that if he stayed in the middle of the crowd he wouldn’t be able to see Jesus. So he had a great idea. Do you know what he did? (Wait their participation). He climbed a tree. That’s right! He would see him from above the tree for sure. And that’s what happened, Zacchaeus saw Jesus. When Jesus passed under the tree, something wonderful happened for Jesus said: “Zacchaeus come down quickly, for today I want to stay in your house”.
How wonderful! The Master would go to the house of Zacchaeus; then he came down very fast. Some people were talking bad things about Jesus because they thought that He shouldn’t talk to a sinner. Children, Zacchaeus was known as a thief, as someone who took advantage of the people. Jesus knew that he used to do bad things but He loved him and wanted to change his life.
Zacchaeus didn’t miss the opportunity and when they were at his house he said: “My Lord, I decide to give to the poor half of my belongings and if I defrauded someone in something I will repay four times”. And Jesus answered: “Today salvation has come to this house…”
Before having an encounter with Jesus Zacchaeus did many dishonest things and hurt many people. However, after learning about God’s will he left all bad things behind and from that day on everything was new in that man’s life.

Conclusion

Kids, this week verse says: “Who, then, are those who fear the LORD? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose”. God loves all people but He wishes them to abandon all the wrong things to do what pleases Him because by doing so, the Holy Spirit will teach them the way they should follow. Who here wants to follow the path of Jesus say amen!

Fun Chat

Write in a paper the sentence: “Life with Jesus” and in another one “Life without Jesus”. Stick a paper on your shirt with the sentence “Life without Jesus” and ask to the assist educator (or choose a kid) to stick the other one on her shirt. Then pick ten kids. Ask them to make a line (little train). Educator, hold hands with the assist educator or the chosen kid and stay in front of each other. Say to the class: You will pass under our arms (like a country dance) and the kid we hold will choose which side he/she wants to stay, ok?
Educator, start the game. Put your holding hands up and, when the last child is going through, carefully lower the arms and ask what does he/she prefers: truth or lie. He/she will certainly choose the truth. Then ask him/her to stay behind the assist educator (or chosen kid). Continue the game changing the question to “good or evil”, “obedience or disobedience”, “happiness or sadness”, “love or hate”. They must stand behind the one who represents the chosen attitude.
When there are no more children on the train, ask: Class, why nobody wanted to stand behind me? (Wait their participation). Oh! Nobody wanted to pick me because I’m representing a “Life without Jesus” (point to the paper) and he/she (point to the assist educator or chosen kid) is representing a “Life with Jesus”. When Jesus is in our lives we have good attitudes: we are true, kind, obedient, happy, etc. But those who lie, disobey, those who are mean and live sad don’t have Jesus in their lives, just as Zacchaeus who stolen from people before knowing Jesus. However after finding Him, Zacchaeus completely changed his choices and started to have good attitudes. Who here wishes to have good attitudes and to have Jesus inside your heart say “I wish”!
Educator, make a prayer with the kids giving their lives to Jesus. After that, memorize the verse with the poster of the week.


Activities

- Setting up the verse. Write the verse on a cardboard, cut it in peaces separating the words and fix each word under a chair. The kids will find the words and they will set it up on the table. In case you have a big class, make the same verse several times in different colors. Children must find the words, put them together and set up the verse following the color. At the end of the activity, explain and memorize the verse with them.

- Drawing. Zacchaeus was a short man, that’s why he climbed a tree to see Jesus. Draw him climbing up the tree.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 

Come down Zacchaeus! I'm coming to your house today.

Class: 8-10 year olds

Introduction


Educator, make a paper hat. Choose a kid and ask him/her to go to the front of the class and close his/her eyes. Meanwhile, ask to the assist educator to put the hat (the one you made) on another kid. Ask to the chosen kid: In your opinion, which one of these friends catches your eye? Certainly the child with the hat will catch the eye. Say: This one (pointing to the kid with the hat) catches the eye because he/she is wearing something unusual, right? Nobody wears a paper hat. Today we will know the story about a man that, to see Jesus, did something different. Let’s find out what did he do? Stay quiet, I am about to start.

The history of Zacchaeus

THRE WAS A rich man who lived in the city of Jericho. Zacchaeus was his name. He was a tax collector and acted with dishonesty with people because he used to collect more than they should pay to get plenty of money. God is not pleased that attitude, because he was enriched with what belonged to others.
At that time Jesus visited several cities, teaching about the kingdom of God, healing and delivering people and one day, He went to the city of Jericho. When he discovered that the Lord Jesus was in his town, Zacchaeus wanted to know Him.
Zacchaeus stood in the way expecting Him to pass, but the crowd gathered and was very difficult to get close to Jesus. Seeing Him, then, it was almost impossible, as Zacchaeus was too short. It was then that Zacchaeus had a great idea! He decided to climb a tree. Look kids, he wanted to see Jesus so much that he even forgot that it was an important man, and didn’t mind if someone would see him up that tree.
Zacchaeus could never imagine that Jesus would see him, but to his surprise, Jesus came near the tree, looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I want to stay at your house." Zacchaeus, all happy, quickly came down the tree and took Jesus to his house. People were criticizing Jesus for going to the house of a sinner who deceived others. Jesus did not like Zacchaeus committed wrong things, but loved and cared about his life.
The words of the Lord Jesus touched the heart of Zacchaeus who said, "Lord, I decided to give to the poor half of my possessions, and if in anything I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus replied, "Today salvation has come to this house ...” .
The encounter of Zacchaeus with Jesus changed his life completely. Hearing this story from the Bible, reminds us of a verse from the book of Psalms that says: "Those who fear the Lord will learn from the way they must go.”Zacchaeus was wrong because he had not had an encounter with Jesus. But from the moment he met Jesus and learned the Word of God, decided to change his attitude and therefore received salvation, he and his entire family.

Conclusion

God loves everyone and wants everyone to leave the mistakes and become true children of God. To this one has to want be with Jesus, leaving the wrong things and living a new life, as did Zacchaeus. Jesus forgave and saved everyone in that house. If the person decided to leave the wrong things and commit his life to Jesus, then the Holy Spirit will guide you and show you the way it should follow. Who here will strive to do only what pleases God say amen!

Fun Chat

Educator, for this activity you need strip and sheets of paper, colored pencils, balloons and sweets for the entire class.
Formulate questions based on the lesson, screw inside the balloon. Stick the balloons on the board or wall making the phrase: God is our refuge and strength. Ask for kids to go ahead, pop balloons, and answer the question. After distributing the sheets, ask the class to each create a drawing based on the verse of the text (Wait for participation.)
At the end of the activity, they must present and explain the meaning of the picture for the whole class. Discuss the pictures and put them on the wall and distribute candy to the class
Conclude with a prayer asking God for the class so that they’re always sure of His presence.


Activities

- Learning the verse. 1) Read verse of the week and write down what you get: “Who, then, are those who fear the LORD? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose”. (Psalm 25.12) 2) Comment about the verse.

- Sit down/stand up. Using the verse of the week to memorize, play with the children until they memorize the verse. Arrange the room in a semicircle and give orders. Children with the features you say should stand up, recite the verse and then sit again. Example: Those who have black hair stand up and recite the verse, those who wear tennis, those who wear glasses, and those who are in red blouse, etc.

Mid-week exercises:


1) Answer.
a) What was Zacchaeus occupation?
_________________________________________________________________
b) What was the town where Zacchaeus lived?
_________________________________________________________________
c) What decision did Zacchaeus take when he accepted Jesus?
__________________________________________________________________
d) What attitude did Zacchaeus take to see Jesus?
_________________________________________________________________
e) Why could not Zacchaeus see Jesus?
_________________________________________________________________

2) Reflect on your behavior and write down what is being asked.

What I have done that displeased God:


What I will do to please God:

Week 3 Meeting            

Biblical Reference:

Proverbs 3.12

Purpose of the meeting:

Teach teenagers that God is our Heavenly Father and He reprimands us because He loves us.

Key verse:

“Because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” (Proverbs 3.12)

Initiating the meeting:

You will need: a battery and two alarm clocks (one with batteries and another without). It will be used for the conclusion.

Start the introduction by asking: ‘teens, how would you feel if you were prevented by your parents to go out with your friends or chatting on the internet to stay home and study? (Wait their participation). Many of you would be upset and would complain, right? However, if you do well in a test you would feel rewarded and would even change opinion about your parent’s attitude. On today’s study we will talk more about this subject.

Message that edify:

Reprimands that bless

How many parents say: “Boy, don’t do that!”  “Girl, don’t get involved with that young man, he is not a good person!” Before that son and daughter thinks that they do like this because they want to control their lives, because they don’t like your friends, etc. However, most of the times parents are right. Many teens decide to follow their own thoughts (or their friends) and end up damaging themselves.

         Real parents (biological or not) are those who love and care about the welfare of their children and will always advise and reprimand them; it is biblical. Let’s meditate on what is written in the book of Proverbs 3.12: “Because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in”.

         By reprimanding the child, the parent (or person responsible) demonstrates love and care, obviously for those who suffer reprimand the impression is another; at this time he/she thinks anything except that what they are doing is for the good of the child.

         According to this verse, God also works like this with us, for example: Have you ever done, said or thought something contrary to the Word of God and when you arrived in the Church, the preaching seemed to be all for you? You thought that someone had told the Pastor your mistake. How could this be? It’s God Himself who was reprimanding you, convincing you of your sin, giving you a chance to regret. Why does He do that? Because He loves us and He doesn’t want to see us away from His presence.

         Teenagers, God through His Word presents the path to be followed; however the charming and easy ways from the world attracts many people, many of them live according to their own decisions and, even knowing the Word of God and considering themselves children of God, violate the spiritual teachings and what they learned at home. We must be wise and attend to our God’s advice: “My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you” (Proverbs 7.1)

Conclusion:

        Teens, God is our Father and as every father wishes us to be obedient and practitioners of His Word, that’s why we must keep His commands. Let’s say that these clocks (show them the alarms) represent two teenagers. Observe that one of the clocks is working and the other one is not. In your opinion, what is missing for the other clock to work? (Wait for them to participate. They will probably say that the problem is the battery). Let’s see what is wrong! (Open the battery compartment and show them that one clock has a battery and the other one does not; then take the other battery and put on the clock). Say: now observe that both of the clocks are working.

         Know that as the battery is essential to the clock to work, the same happens when we practice the Word of God, everything works according to His will; we begin to see results of our faith. God becomes our Father and He will care for us. He will exhort us and correct where necessary, as does the earthly father (biological or not); so if something is keeping you away from your patents or your Heavenly Father (God), take this week and reunite with Him; you will certainly win a lot with this attitude.

        

            Activity for 3rd Meeting

Opening the heart

Read the questionnaire and honestly answer the questions. Then give to the educators; you don’t need to write your name.


Question                                                                                    Answer


1- Do you have a good relationship with your parents (responsible)? Justify.


2- How do you react when your parents (responsible) reprimand you?


3- In your opinion, can a bad relationship with your family (parents or   responsible) harm the spiritual life? Justify.


4- In your opinion what must be done to live harmoniously (parents-children relationship)?


5- Do you have anything about your behavior you would like to change? What would it be?

SAMSOM: Telling the Story

So here they come!!! The Characters from the story…

Now we are going to prepare the characters of this week’s story.

It’s very easy to do; you just need to use your creativity!

What you will need:

v  Wooden spoon

v  Some piece of fabric

v  Coloured paper

v  Hot melt glue gun and glue sticks (for the gun)

v  Black permanent pen

v  Knitting wool

v  A small piece of Velcro

This will be Samson’s Mum! First, we will draw the face on the wooden spoon, and then, glue the hair on.

                                                                                  

And next, we will make the clothes with a piece of fabric; we should fold it in the middle and sew it. As you can see on the 1^st picture bellow, we need to pucker the upper part of “the dress” and glue it on the wooden spoon. Now, we just need to add the little hands made from the coloured paper, as you see on the 3^rd picture bellow… Glue it on the sides of the dress…

Now, pay attention to Samson’s doll: glue a small piece of Velcro on the top of its head (see 1^st picture), so when comes the part in the story that his enemies cut off his hair, you will remove his hair out and put it back after.

   

And now the whole gang is ready and waiting for playing its part in the story!

       

TF Teen 21/08

Week 2 Meeting                           

Biblical Reference:

Psalm 78.38; 1 Samuel 18.6-16, 23.6-14

Purpose of the meeting:

Teach teenagers that forgiveness bring us closer to God.

Key verse:

“Yet God was merciful; He forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them.” (Psalm 78.38)

Initiating the meeting:

Take to the meeting images of soccer players in a “hard play” (penalty or free kick). Ask:  what would you do if a friend hit you in a hard play (show the pictures)? Or if you discovered that a colleague spread in a social networking site (Twitter, Facebook, etc...), some rumors about you? (Wait for them to respond). Sometimes people take thoughtless actions that make their neighbor sad.  In today’s meeting we will talk about the importance of forgiveness and what happens to those who cannot forgive.

Message that edifies:

Forgiveness

Many people wish to follow the Lord Jesus without putting themselves into the most sublime of all moral laws, forgiveness. Many even ask: ‘Why do I have to forgive if I didn’t do any evil against the person whom I have resentment?’ We must forgive because the Lord Jesus said: “Forgive and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6.37).  If we don’t forgive the offenses people do against us, how can God forgive us?

            There would be no sense in the coming of the Lord Jesus if the spirit of forgiveness did not act in the human heart. When we don’t forgive, we practice injustice against ourselves because we all make mistakes and failures.

            When we cultivate resentment against another person we allow the devil to plant inside our hearts his seed; the more this seed stays the harder it is to get rid of.  Saul gave way to hate and revenge because he had envy in his heart against David; he began to pursue David to the point of even trying to take his life. Because of these feelings Saul faced daily torment and the envy he had of David made ​​him a cruel and wicked man. Saul started to live according to the revenge he had in his heart.

            Forgiveness, besides being a virtue, is a great necessity to all human beings. The Lord Jesus left us several examples of how we should behave to each other. The same way He treats us is how we must treat our neighbor. If we want to be forgiven of our mistakes and failures we also must forgive.

            When the Lord Jesus taught us the Lord’s Prayer mentions forgiving our enemies as a condition to also be forgiven of our mistakes.

            “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6.14-15). When we cultivate a sense of vengeance we are saying that the death of Jesus was not enough for the person who harmed us, or for us. We must not relive past hurts.

Conclusion:

Real forgiveness includes forgetting about our past offense because if we continue to remember them with bitterness in the soul, then true forgiveness certainly didn’t happen. Teenager, do as David did, cultivate inside your heart the virtue of forgiveness and throw away the hurt, hate and resentment.

God bless you!

Activity of the 2º Meeting

Alone With God

Read Matthew 6.14-15 and explain what you understand

Are you easy to forgive? Justify.

Have you been mistreated by someone and kept inside your heart resentment against this person? What do you think is missing to forgive him/her?

What does God want to teach us with the following verse: “Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent” (Psalm 4.4)?

Planning 21/08

Lesson of the week: Samson 

Biblical Reference

Psalm 32.5 and Judges 13 to 16

Purpose of the lesson

Teach the children that God forgives our mistakes when we tell Him.

Verse to memorize 

“Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity (…) and You forgave…” (Psalm 32.5)

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 

Class: 2-3 year olds

Introduction

Start by asking: Little friends, what must we say when we do something wrong against a buddy? Educator, make a sorry face, wait them to participate and say: I’m sorry, friend! What do we say? Repeat with me: I’m sorry! That’s right. Today we will see a story about a man who disobeyed God but he was forgiven when he apologized to Him. Let’s find out who was this man? Then be quiet, it’s going to start.

The Story of Samson

THERE WAS a man called Samson, he was very strong. (Educator, show your muscles with your curled arms demonstrating strength and ask the kids to imitate). Little friends, do you want to be strong? Then you must eat right; eat everything your mommy (or the person who takes care of you) gives you, all right?

Samson defeated many enemies, (make a gesture of quantity with your hands) and he was chosen to defend the people of God. But do you know what happened? Samson started to date a young woman who was from the enemy’s people. Now what, kids? (Make a worried, surprised face). Samson’s girlfriend was called Delilah, repeat De-li-lah, that’s right! The enemies gave Delilah money for her to find out why Samson was so strong. Do you know what was Samson’s big secret, kids? God had asked him to never cut his hair. Samson told his secret to Delilah; then

when he was sleeping (make a gesture as if you were sleeping) his enemies cut Samson’s hair and he became weak. He was arrested and his enemies hurt him so badly (make a sad face). However Samson prayed and apologized to God for disobeying Him so God forgave him and gave him back his strength. And for the last time Samson defeated all his enemies.

Conclusion

Little friends, Samson told God all the bad things he did and was forgiven, but nothing bad would happen if he had obeyed God. Bad things happened to him not because he cut his hair but because he disobeyed God. (Educator, emphasize that wasn’t the hair cut that made him suffer, but his disobedience to God). Therefore, kids, always be obedient to daddy, to mommy, (guardian), be kind to your friends so Jesus can be always near you, understand? Who here will be obedient say “I will!”

Activity

Drawing. Educator, take to the class office paper and crayons; ask the kids to draw Samson.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 

Class: 4-7 year olds

Introduction

Start by asking: what do we do when we realize we made a mistake with someone else? (Wait for them to participate). We say sorry, we apologize, right? Today we will learn a story about a man who made big mistakes before God; yet, when he realized his mistake he deeply regretted and God forgave him. Let’s find out who was this man? Very well, pay attention, the story is about to start.

Confessing mistakes

ONCE UPON a time there was a man called Manoah. He had no children because his wife was barren. However, one day something very good happened, for an Angel from God appeared to Manoah’s wife and told her she would have a baby that, before he was born, would be consecrated to God. He should never cut his hair because he would be a Nazarite, in other words, he would live to serve God and defend his people. And so it happened, the child was born and was given the name of Samson.

For being very strong, Samson was always winning the battles, defeating enemies, and winning lots of armies on his own. One day he defeated even a lion. That’s right, the lion appeared in front of Samson and when he would go forward, Samson killed it. What a strength Samson had, right? He knew that he was chosen by God and because of that, his father taught him not to date young women who worshiped other gods.

But do you know what happened? (Wait for them to participate) Samson ended up liking Delilah, a Philistine young woman. The Philistines learned that Samson liked Delilah so they gave her money to discover the secret of Samson’s strength. She did everything she could to deceive Samson and for three times he 

gave her false clues. However she didn’t give up until Samson told her the big secret:

-I never cut my hair! Since I was born I was consecrated to God. I will lose my strength if my hair is cut.

Little friends, Samson should not have done this, because at the moment he told his secret, he broke his vow with God. When Samson was sleeping, his enemies cut his hair and he got weak. Samson was arrested and taken as a slave. They put Samson trapped in the columns of a temple where they used to worship a false god and the Philistines gathered to see Samson. They were laughing and mocking Samson because he was blind, weak and couldn’t do anything. However, Samson was sorry for breaking his vow and prayed to God asking for another opportunity to overcome his enemies. God forgave him and sent the Spirit of strength, so that for one last time he was filled up and then Samson brought down the columns of the temple, destroying all the enemies.

Conclusion

Kids, in the book of Psalms it is written: “Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity (…) and You forgave…” (Psalm 32.5)

Samson acknowledged that he was wrong, he confessed to God and the Lord forgave him, giving him another opportunity. If you have been disobedient to your parents, if you have been lying, speaking words that displease God, then ask Him forgiveness and stop doing wrong things so the Holy Spirit can come upon your life.

Fun chat

Educator, you will need pictures or images (easy to find on the internet) of the following things: laundry detergent, dish detergent, soap, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, cotton swab. Educator, stick each picture on an office paper except the toothpaste and the floss that must be put together. Pin the papers on the board or on the class wall.

Start by saying: kids, there are several products for cleaning and hygiene and I put here on the board some examples. I would like you to tell me for what they are. Educator, show them each product and wait for their participation. Explain how to use each one of them and then ask: Can a person who did something that displeased God use some of these products to clean their heart and get rid of disobedience and sin? (Wait for them to participate). Not at all, right? Only God can clean our hearts. Do you know when does He do that? When we truly regret just as Samson did; he sought forgiveness from God and he was attended. Children, if anyone here was doing something that displeased God, for example: disobeying the parents or guardian, lying, saying bad words, fighting with friends of school, etc. then ask forgiveness to God and from now on look out for new attitudes to pleases Him, understand?

Educator, pray with the class and then show them the poster of the week and memorize the verse.

Activity

Free Activity

Quiz. Ask them questions about the story they just heard.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 

Class 8-10 year olds

Introduction

Start by asking: what do we do when we realize we made a mistake with someone else? (Wait for them to participate). We say sorry, apologize, right? Today we will learn a story about a man who made big mistakes before God; yet when he realized his mistake he deeply regretted and God forgave him. Let’s find out who was this man? Very well, pay attention, the story is about to start.

Confessing Mistakes

THERE WAS A MAN called Manoah whose wife could not have children. One day, the Angel of God appeared to her and said: you are barren and never had a child, but now will give birth to a boy. He should never cut his hair because he will be a Nazarite, consecrated to the Lord from the womb, and he will begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. That woman got a shock! That was her biggest dream, to have a child, what a great joy! Sometime after, the baby was born, grew and became a very strong and handsome young man, his name was Samson.

The people of Israel now had someone sent by God to defend them and Samson faced multiple enemies and won many fights. Samson was very strong and his strength came from God, for he had a very important mission: to defend his people because he was born for this. Once, a great lion came against him and Samson killed it easily.

The enemy knew that Samson was a young man chosen of God, and always tempted him in order to make him disobey God. His father always advised him to choose one of their young people, who worship the Living God, but when Samson became a young man he fell in love with a very beautiful young lady named Delilah. She called everyone's attention with her beauty, but she was a Philistines, an

enemy of the people of God. The Philistines hated Samson, but feared his strength, so they were constantly looking for a way to trick him, arrest him and kill him. Ah! If that happened, the problems of the Philistines would be solved. It was then discovered that he was in love with Delilah and saw the opportunity there to destroy him along with his people. They made a deal with Delilah as follows: she should discover the secret of Samson's strength and reveal it to them.

Delilah received a lot of money to accomplish the task, and made use of all her charm to trick Samson. Three times Samson distracted her, giving her false clues about his strength. But she did not give up and kept trying to get him to speak the truth. Every day Delilah insisted, until one day Samson broke down and revealed the secret saying:

- The secret of my strength is in my hair, it has never been cut! I was given to God from birth. If my hair is cut, I lose my strength; I'll be weak and be like any other man.

At that time Samson broke the covenant with God, because in fact his strength was not just in the hair, but in the vow he had with God. Do you know what happened after that? While Samson slept, the enemy cut his hair and he was weak. He was arrested and taken into slavery and even gouged out his eyes. How sad!

Then the Philistines gathered at the temple to worship their false god. The place was full of people who had fun and laughed at Samson. The old Samson, big and strong, was blind, weak, humiliated and tied between the columns of the temple. But at that moment, he repented of his sin and cried out to God with all his heart, asking Him one more time for the chance to defeat the enemies. And God filled him of His strength once more, and Samson brought down the pillars of the temple, destroying more enemies that day than in his whole life.

Conclusion

You see children! God is so merciful. At the time Samson repented, He forgave him and gave him the victory. But all this could have been avoided if Samson had obeyed. It is written in the Word of God: “Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity (…) and You forgave…”(Psalm 32.5). That's exactly what happened: Samson confessed to God that he had made a mistake and the Lord forgave him. If you have been disobedient or has done wrong things, cast your mistakes aside, ask God for forgiveness and change, so that the Holy Spirit can come over to your life and make you strong in the presence of God.

Fun chat

Educator, you will need pictures or images (easy to find on the internet) of the following things: laundry detergent, dish detergent, soap, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, cotton swab. Stick each picture on an A4 paper except the toothpaste and the floss that must be put together. Pin the papers on the board or on the class wall.

Start by saying: kids, there are several products for cleaning and hygiene and I put here on the board some examples. I would like you to tell me for what are they and what they're for. Educator, show them each product and wait for their participation.

Explain how to use each one of them and then ask: Can a person who did something that displeased God use some of these products to clean the heart and get rid of disobedience and sin? (Wait for them to participate). Not at all, right? Only God can clean our hearts. Do you know when does He do that? When we truly regret just as Samson did; he sought forgiveness from God and he was attended. Children, if anyone here was doing something that displeased God, for example: disobeying the parents, lying, saying bad words, fighting with friends at school, etc. then ask forgiveness to God and from now on look out for new attitudes to please Him, understand?

Educator, say a prayer with the class and then show them the poster of the week and memorize the verse.

Activity

Quiz. Ask them questions about the history they just heard. 

True or false. You may ask them, or write on the board for the whole class to participate.

Samples of True or false statements:

( ) Samson had a mission to protect his people.

( ) Samson did not obey his father’s advice.

( ) Samson fought with a lion and was defeated.

( ) The Philistines were Samson’s enemies.

( ) Samson fell in love with a young woman from his people.

( ) Samson fell in love with Delilah, a Philistine young woman.

( ) Delilah received money to discover Samson’s secret.

( ) The enemies cut Samson’s nails and he lost his strength.

( ) The enemies arrested and blinded Samson.

( ) Samson repented; so the Spirit of strength came upon him one last time

    and he defeated the enemies.