Preschool track
Overview of Acts
The Book of Acts tells the exciting story of how the first churches formed and grew. After Jesus died and came back to life, the Holy Spirit helped the disciples to travel many places to spread the good news about Jesus.
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
Bible Readings
Pentecost (Acts 2:1-41) Reading
The disciples were waiting together in a house in Jerusalem. Suddenly, a sound like a howling fierce wind filled the entire house. The disciples looked around to see what was happening.
They saw little flames of fire on each of them. It was the Holy Spirit - God's Spirit that would be with them always. The disciples began to speak other languages. They spoke about all the great things God had done.
People outside the house heard the noises coming from inside the house. "What is happening?" the people wondered. Some people were confused. "What does all this mean? they asked.
Peter spoke to the people: "God has sent the Holy Spirit to us. That is what you have seen and heard."
The people listened to Peter as he told them about Jesus. Peter encouraged the people to believe in Jesus and to be baptized. "The Holy Spirit will be given to you!" Peter told the people.
Many of the people believed Peter's words. Three thousand people were baptized and became followers of Jesus that day.
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
They saw little flames of fire on each of them. It was the Holy Spirit - God's Spirit that would be with them always. The disciples began to speak other languages. They spoke about all the great things God had done.
People outside the house heard the noises coming from inside the house. "What is happening?" the people wondered. Some people were confused. "What does all this mean? they asked.
Peter spoke to the people: "God has sent the Holy Spirit to us. That is what you have seen and heard."
The people listened to Peter as he told them about Jesus. Peter encouraged the people to believe in Jesus and to be baptized. "The Holy Spirit will be given to you!" Peter told the people.
Many of the people believed Peter's words. Three thousand people were baptized and became followers of Jesus that day.
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
Peter and John (Acts 3:1-422) Reading
It was three o'clock in the afternoon. It was time for prayer in the Temple. Peter and John went to the Temple to pray.
As they were walking into the Temple, they saw a man who could not walk being carried into the Temple. He was laid down by the gate. Every day the man sat there and begged people for money.
Peter and John entered the Temple. The man saw Peter and John, and he asked them for money.
Peter said to the man who could not walk, "Look at us!"
The man who could not walk looked at Peter and John. The man thought Peter and John would give him some money.
Peter said, "I do not have money to give you, but I have a better gift for you. I can give you Jesus Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, get up and walk!" Peter took the man's right hand and helped him get up.
At once, the man's feet and ankles became strong, and he jumped up and started walking. The man went into the Temple with Peter and John. Everyone who saw the man was amazed!
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
As they were walking into the Temple, they saw a man who could not walk being carried into the Temple. He was laid down by the gate. Every day the man sat there and begged people for money.
Peter and John entered the Temple. The man saw Peter and John, and he asked them for money.
Peter said to the man who could not walk, "Look at us!"
The man who could not walk looked at Peter and John. The man thought Peter and John would give him some money.
Peter said, "I do not have money to give you, but I have a better gift for you. I can give you Jesus Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, get up and walk!" Peter took the man's right hand and helped him get up.
At once, the man's feet and ankles became strong, and he jumped up and started walking. The man went into the Temple with Peter and John. Everyone who saw the man was amazed!
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
Believers Share (Acts 4:32-37) Reading
The community of people who believed in Jesus was of one heart and mind. The community shared everything. No one said, "This is mine!" They shared everything they owned. The apostles continued to teach about Jesus and shared God's love with others.
The community of believers did not have anyone who needed anything. People who had houses or fields sold them and donated that money to the community. The money was used to care for everyone so no one was in need. Barnabas was one of the people who owned a field. He sold it and gave the money to the apostles to share with others.
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
The community of believers did not have anyone who needed anything. People who had houses or fields sold them and donated that money to the community. The money was used to care for everyone so no one was in need. Barnabas was one of the people who owned a field. He sold it and gave the money to the apostles to share with others.
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40) Reading
Philip fed the hungry, taught others about Jesu, and helped people who were sick. While Philip was in Samaria, an angel of God talked to Philip: "Take the desert road from here. As you go, share God's love with the people you meet." So Philip set out along the desert road.
As Philip walked along the road, a carriage drove past. There was an Ethiopian man in the carriage reading a scroll about God's people.
The Ethiopian man looked very confused by what he was reading, so Philip asked the man, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
The Ethiopian man looked at Philip "Without some help, how could I?"
The Ethiopian man invited Philip into his carriage. Philip knew what the scroll was about - Jesus! "This scroll is about Jesus. Jesus taught us how to love God and each other." The Ethiopian man believed everything Philip taught him.
While they traveled down the road, they passed by some water. "Let me be baptized!" said the Ethiopian man. They stopped the carriage, went down to the water, and Philip baptized the Ethiopian man.
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
As Philip walked along the road, a carriage drove past. There was an Ethiopian man in the carriage reading a scroll about God's people.
The Ethiopian man looked very confused by what he was reading, so Philip asked the man, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
The Ethiopian man looked at Philip "Without some help, how could I?"
The Ethiopian man invited Philip into his carriage. Philip knew what the scroll was about - Jesus! "This scroll is about Jesus. Jesus taught us how to love God and each other." The Ethiopian man believed everything Philip taught him.
While they traveled down the road, they passed by some water. "Let me be baptized!" said the Ethiopian man. They stopped the carriage, went down to the water, and Philip baptized the Ethiopian man.
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
Paul Changes (Acts 9:1-9) Reading
Paul and his friends were on their way to a city called Damascus. Paul had heard that there were many followers in Damascus. Paul was going to arrest Jesus' followers and bring them back to Jerusalem.
Suddenly, a bright light from heaven flashed around Paul! Paul fell to the ground and covered his eyes.
"Paul, Paul," said a voice from the light. "Why are you being unkind to my followers?" The voice was Jesus! "Get up, Paul, and go into the city," said Jesus. "Someone will come and help you." When Paul stood up, he couldn't see! Paul's friends had to lead Paul into the city.
A man named Ananias lived in the city. He was a follower of Jesus. One day Ananias heard the voice of Jesus.
"Find the man named Paul," said Jesus.
"But Paul is unkind to followers of Jesus," said Ananias. "I am afraid."
"I have chosen Paul to tell others about me," said Jesus. "You must go to him."
So even though he was afraid Ananias went to find Paul. Paul was just sitting in a house. He still could not see.
"Paul," said Ananias.=, "Jesus sent me to help you." Then Ananias touched Paul's face. Immediately, Paul was able to see again!
Paul was baptized and became a follower of Jesus. Paul began to tell everyone he met about Jesus. Paul had changed.
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
Suddenly, a bright light from heaven flashed around Paul! Paul fell to the ground and covered his eyes.
"Paul, Paul," said a voice from the light. "Why are you being unkind to my followers?" The voice was Jesus! "Get up, Paul, and go into the city," said Jesus. "Someone will come and help you." When Paul stood up, he couldn't see! Paul's friends had to lead Paul into the city.
A man named Ananias lived in the city. He was a follower of Jesus. One day Ananias heard the voice of Jesus.
"Find the man named Paul," said Jesus.
"But Paul is unkind to followers of Jesus," said Ananias. "I am afraid."
"I have chosen Paul to tell others about me," said Jesus. "You must go to him."
So even though he was afraid Ananias went to find Paul. Paul was just sitting in a house. He still could not see.
"Paul," said Ananias.=, "Jesus sent me to help you." Then Ananias touched Paul's face. Immediately, Paul was able to see again!
Paul was baptized and became a follower of Jesus. Paul began to tell everyone he met about Jesus. Paul had changed.
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
Peter and Tabitha (Acts 9:36-43) Reading
There was a disciple named Tabitha who lived in a town called Joppa. Tabitha was a wonderful person who lived a life of good works. She loved and cared for everyone who was in need. She also made tunics and clothing for people.
Tabitha became ill. She didn't get better, and she died. Her friends washed her body and laid her body on a bed. Her friends were very sad. They heard that Peter was nearby, so they sent two people to find him.
The two people found Peter and begged him to come back to Tabitha's house. Peter went with them.
Peter entered Tabitha's room. All of Tabitha's friends were there crying.
Peter asked everyone to leave Tabitha's room. He knelt down and prayed. Then Peter said, "Tabitha, get up!" Tabitha opened her eyes and sat up. Peter helped her stand as they called of Tabitha's friends back into the room. She was alive!
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
Tabitha became ill. She didn't get better, and she died. Her friends washed her body and laid her body on a bed. Her friends were very sad. They heard that Peter was nearby, so they sent two people to find him.
The two people found Peter and begged him to come back to Tabitha's house. Peter went with them.
Peter entered Tabitha's room. All of Tabitha's friends were there crying.
Peter asked everyone to leave Tabitha's room. He knelt down and prayed. Then Peter said, "Tabitha, get up!" Tabitha opened her eyes and sat up. Peter helped her stand as they called of Tabitha's friends back into the room. She was alive!
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10:1-28) Reading
There was a man named Cornelius. Cornelius and his family worshipped God. Cornelius was a good man, and he and his family gave to people who needed help.
One day an angel visited Cornelius. Cornelius was surprised and scared. Cornelius asked the angel why he was there. The angel said, "Cornelius, send someone to the town of Joppa to get a man named Peter to come and visit you."
Cornelius did what the angel said. Cornelius sent two servants and a soldier to get Peter.
The next day in the town of Joppa, Peter was sleeping when he had a dream. Peter saw a big sheet being lowered down from heaven. On the sheet were all kinds of animals that Peter was not supposed to eat. There were four - legged animals, snakes, and wild birds. A voice said to Peter, "Peter, get up. You can have all these animals to eat."
Peter said, "No, Lord! You know it is unlawful to eat all those animals. They are unclean! I do not eat those animals!"
A voice said to Peter, "Do not think of anything that God makes as unclean."
This dream happened three times. Finally, the sheet was pulled back into heaven.
Peter did not understand his dream. Just then, the messengers from Cornelius arrived.
The men said, "Cornelius has sent us. Cornelius wants you to come to his house and talk to the people there about God."
Peter and the messengers walked back to Cornelius's house the next day. When they arrived at Cornelius's house, Cornelius was so glad to see Peter that he fell down at Peter's feet. Peter said, "Get up, Cornelius. I am no better than you. I am no better than you. I am a man, just like you are a man. God told me in a dream that every person and every animal that God makes is good. All people are God's creation."
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
One day an angel visited Cornelius. Cornelius was surprised and scared. Cornelius asked the angel why he was there. The angel said, "Cornelius, send someone to the town of Joppa to get a man named Peter to come and visit you."
Cornelius did what the angel said. Cornelius sent two servants and a soldier to get Peter.
The next day in the town of Joppa, Peter was sleeping when he had a dream. Peter saw a big sheet being lowered down from heaven. On the sheet were all kinds of animals that Peter was not supposed to eat. There were four - legged animals, snakes, and wild birds. A voice said to Peter, "Peter, get up. You can have all these animals to eat."
Peter said, "No, Lord! You know it is unlawful to eat all those animals. They are unclean! I do not eat those animals!"
A voice said to Peter, "Do not think of anything that God makes as unclean."
This dream happened three times. Finally, the sheet was pulled back into heaven.
Peter did not understand his dream. Just then, the messengers from Cornelius arrived.
The men said, "Cornelius has sent us. Cornelius wants you to come to his house and talk to the people there about God."
Peter and the messengers walked back to Cornelius's house the next day. When they arrived at Cornelius's house, Cornelius was so glad to see Peter that he fell down at Peter's feet. Peter said, "Get up, Cornelius. I am no better than you. I am no better than you. I am a man, just like you are a man. God told me in a dream that every person and every animal that God makes is good. All people are God's creation."
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
Paul and Silas (Acts 16:16-40) Reading
Paul and Silas went through the town telling everyone they knew about Jesus. Some people listened to Paul and Silas. They liked what Paul and Silas had to say.
But some people did not want Paul and Silas to tell others about Jesus. They said, "Send them to jail!"
So Paul and Silas were put in jail. Their hands and feet were chained to the wall. But Paul and Silas were not sad. They prayed and sang songs to God.
Suddenly, the jail began to shake! It was an earthquake! The chains on Paul and Silas fell apart. The jail door swung open.
"Oh, no!" said the jailer when he saw the open door. "I'm sure all my prisoners ran away. I'll get in trouble for letting them go."
"Don't worry," said Paul. "Everyone is still here."
Then Paul and Silas told the jailer about Jesus.
"I want to know more," said the jailer. "Come home with me and tell my whole family about Jesus."
So Paul and Silas went home with the jailer and told his whole family about Jesus. The jailer and his family became followers of Jesus.
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
But some people did not want Paul and Silas to tell others about Jesus. They said, "Send them to jail!"
So Paul and Silas were put in jail. Their hands and feet were chained to the wall. But Paul and Silas were not sad. They prayed and sang songs to God.
Suddenly, the jail began to shake! It was an earthquake! The chains on Paul and Silas fell apart. The jail door swung open.
"Oh, no!" said the jailer when he saw the open door. "I'm sure all my prisoners ran away. I'll get in trouble for letting them go."
"Don't worry," said Paul. "Everyone is still here."
Then Paul and Silas told the jailer about Jesus.
"I want to know more," said the jailer. "Come home with me and tell my whole family about Jesus."
So Paul and Silas went home with the jailer and told his whole family about Jesus. The jailer and his family became followers of Jesus.
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
I Wonder....
- if there was anyone else around when Peter and John healed the man?
- how the man got to the Temple steps in the first place?
- how Peter and the other disciples felt when the Holy Spirit came upon them?
- how the people outside the hose felt when they heard what was going on inside the house?
- how many different languages are there?
- why the disciples were waiting in a house?
- why the Holy Spirit came like a fire?
- if the disciples could feel if the fire was hot or cold?
Discussion Questions
- Wonder about the people in this story - how do you think they felt when this happened?
- How would you feel if the Holy Spirit came to you like it did to Peter?
- How do you think the man who was crippled felt after Peter and John healed him?
- The believers shared everything! What can you share?
- Who has helped you learn about Jesus?
- Jesus' love changes us! How do you think Paul felt when he was changed by Jesus?
- How do you think Tabitha's friends felt in this story?
- How do you think Cornelius felt in the story? How do you think Peter felt?
- What do you think is the most important part of this story?
Videos
Godly Play
Peter and John
This video is 4:32 minutes long
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Pentecost
This video is 10:09 minutes long
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Saul Changes
This video is 6:59 minutes long
Saddleback Kid's
Slapstick Theater (Tabitha)
This video is 41 seconds long
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God Sends the Holy Spirit
This video is 3:29 minutes long
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Philip and the Ethiopian
This video is 1:47 minutes long
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Peter Heals A Beggar Who Can't Walk
This video is 3:29 minutes long
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Crossroad Kids' Club
God's Story: Paul and Silas
This video is 3:42 minutes long
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God's Story: Acts
This video is 4:16 minutes long
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Songs
The More We Get Together by The Learning Station
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We Are a Family by Jack Hartman
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This song is 3:44 minutes long
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This song is 4:07 minutes long
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Art Project
Stained Glass Window
Materials:
Adult Preparation:
Instructions:
- tissue paper
- construction paper
- glue
Adult Preparation:
- Gather materials
Instructions:
- First, choose the story you want to create your stain glass of
- Next, think what the story is about
- Then, take the tissue paper and design your own stained glass window out of tissue paper
Tips for Adults
The author of Luke also wrote the Book of Acts. Acts tells the story of how the early Christians grew together in faith and spread the good news about Jesus. Leaders like Peter and John told about Jesus even when doing so landed them in prison.
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
Elementary Track
Overview of Acts
The Book of Acts tells the exciting story of how the first churches formed and grew. After Jesus died and came back to life, the Holy Spirit helped the disciples to travel many places to spread the good news about Jesus.
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
Overview: Acts 1-12 by Bible Project
This video is 8:15 minutes long
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Overview: Acts 13 - 28 by Bible Project
This video is 8:03 minutes long
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Bible Readings
Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) Reading
What do you feel like when someone you love goes away? Maybe the disciples felt that way after Jesus went to be with God. After Easter, when Jesus came back, he told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem fir the gift of the Holy Spirit. So this story begins in Jerusalem.
The disciples waited together. Fifty days, and they were still waiting in Jerusalem. This day was Pentecost, which was a Jewish festival. On this day, Jews remembered how God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. The city was filled with visitors from many lands. The disciples were waiting together in a house. Suddenly, the wind whooshed around them! It howled into every corner. With a great flash, little flames of fire danced over each person's head. But no one was burned.
The Holy Spirit was in that house. The Holy Spirit helped them speak languages they didn't know before.
The noise of everyone speaking carried beyond the walls. People on the street heard the disciples speaking in their languages. "How is this happening?" They asked each other. "Those people are from Galilee. How did they learn my language?"
It was such a strange thing that some people said, "They must be drunk."
Peter said, "We're not drunk. We're full of the Holy Spirit!" Then the Holy Spirit helped Peter tell them all about Jesus. He told them how the prophets prepared everyone for the coming of Jesus. He told the people about God's love for them. He told them that Jesus was killed. He also told them that Jesus came back from the dead! Peter said, "God sent Jesus for all of us, to save us."
Many people in the crowd wanted to know what they were supposed to do. Peter said, "Change your ways and follow God. Be baptized! Ask God for forgiveness! Then you'll be filled with the Holy Spirit too!"
Three thousand people were baptized that day, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.
*Taken from Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
The disciples waited together. Fifty days, and they were still waiting in Jerusalem. This day was Pentecost, which was a Jewish festival. On this day, Jews remembered how God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. The city was filled with visitors from many lands. The disciples were waiting together in a house. Suddenly, the wind whooshed around them! It howled into every corner. With a great flash, little flames of fire danced over each person's head. But no one was burned.
The Holy Spirit was in that house. The Holy Spirit helped them speak languages they didn't know before.
The noise of everyone speaking carried beyond the walls. People on the street heard the disciples speaking in their languages. "How is this happening?" They asked each other. "Those people are from Galilee. How did they learn my language?"
It was such a strange thing that some people said, "They must be drunk."
Peter said, "We're not drunk. We're full of the Holy Spirit!" Then the Holy Spirit helped Peter tell them all about Jesus. He told them how the prophets prepared everyone for the coming of Jesus. He told the people about God's love for them. He told them that Jesus was killed. He also told them that Jesus came back from the dead! Peter said, "God sent Jesus for all of us, to save us."
Many people in the crowd wanted to know what they were supposed to do. Peter said, "Change your ways and follow God. Be baptized! Ask God for forgiveness! Then you'll be filled with the Holy Spirit too!"
Three thousand people were baptized that day, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.
*Taken from Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
Living Together (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35) Reading
When children move in next door, it takes time to get to know each other. As you play together, you learn how to get along. For example, you find ways to agree on the rules for a game you are playing. After all the people were baptized on Pentecost, they needed to learn how to get along.
The people who believed in Jesus wanted to be together. After they were baptized, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. But how were they going to live together day after day?
The disciples taught them about Jesus and what he taught. The people ate meals together like a family. They spent time together like a family. They also prayed for one another.
When one person was shivering in the cold, someone game him a coat, and he was warm again. Perhaps another person was hungry. Someone gave her food, and they ate together. When anything was needed, those who owned things sold them. They gave the money to the believers so that everyone had enough. No one was left out.
Because they were all faithful Jews, the people went to the temple every day, together. Everyone was happy and loved.
Other people watched them. More and more, people believed in Jesus. More and more, people were baptized. More and more, people showed everyone God's love by the way they lived.
*Taken from Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
The people who believed in Jesus wanted to be together. After they were baptized, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. But how were they going to live together day after day?
The disciples taught them about Jesus and what he taught. The people ate meals together like a family. They spent time together like a family. They also prayed for one another.
When one person was shivering in the cold, someone game him a coat, and he was warm again. Perhaps another person was hungry. Someone gave her food, and they ate together. When anything was needed, those who owned things sold them. They gave the money to the believers so that everyone had enough. No one was left out.
Because they were all faithful Jews, the people went to the temple every day, together. Everyone was happy and loved.
Other people watched them. More and more, people believed in Jesus. More and more, people were baptized. More and more, people showed everyone God's love by the way they lived.
*Taken from Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
Philip Baptizes a Traveler (Acts 8:26-40) Reading
What do you when you meet someone who is different from you? Philip once met a person who was different from him. He decided to get to know him better and tell him sone good news.
After Pentecost, many believers went to other countries. Philip went out Samaria and told the people there about God. He also healed people. Many in Samaria became believers.
As Philip traveled from place to place, an angel said, "Go to the road that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza."
An Ethiopian man was also traveling on that road. He was in charge of all the money for the Ethiopian queen. He was returning from Jerusalem, where he had been to worship. As he rode in his carriage, he was reading the scroll of the prophet Isiah. The Holy Spirit said to Philip "Catch up with that carriage."
When Philip reached the carriage, he asked, "Do you know what you're reading?"
"It's hard to understand without help," the Ethiopian man answered. "Can you help me?"
Philip got into the carriage. They read the scroll of Isaiah together. They read about the One God will send. They read how this man would be treated badly and killed.
The Ethiopian man asked, "Is Isaiah talking about himself or someone else?"
Philip told him about Jesus, how he lived and how he died. The Ethiopian learned the good news of how Jesus wanted people to live with others. Philip also wanted him to know how Jesus came back to life. The Ethiopian man was excited about this good news. As they were talking, the carriage passed by some water.
"Can I be baptized?" the Ethiopian man asked Philip.
The Ethiopian ordered the carriage to stop. The two men got out and walked to the water. Philip baptized the Ethiopian man. As soon as they stepped out of the water, God's Spirit took Philip to another place, where he preached about Jesus. The Ethiopian man went home and never saw Philip again.
*Taken from Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
After Pentecost, many believers went to other countries. Philip went out Samaria and told the people there about God. He also healed people. Many in Samaria became believers.
As Philip traveled from place to place, an angel said, "Go to the road that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza."
An Ethiopian man was also traveling on that road. He was in charge of all the money for the Ethiopian queen. He was returning from Jerusalem, where he had been to worship. As he rode in his carriage, he was reading the scroll of the prophet Isiah. The Holy Spirit said to Philip "Catch up with that carriage."
When Philip reached the carriage, he asked, "Do you know what you're reading?"
"It's hard to understand without help," the Ethiopian man answered. "Can you help me?"
Philip got into the carriage. They read the scroll of Isaiah together. They read about the One God will send. They read how this man would be treated badly and killed.
The Ethiopian man asked, "Is Isaiah talking about himself or someone else?"
Philip told him about Jesus, how he lived and how he died. The Ethiopian learned the good news of how Jesus wanted people to live with others. Philip also wanted him to know how Jesus came back to life. The Ethiopian man was excited about this good news. As they were talking, the carriage passed by some water.
"Can I be baptized?" the Ethiopian man asked Philip.
The Ethiopian ordered the carriage to stop. The two men got out and walked to the water. Philip baptized the Ethiopian man. As soon as they stepped out of the water, God's Spirit took Philip to another place, where he preached about Jesus. The Ethiopian man went home and never saw Philip again.
*Taken from Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
Saul's Change of Heart (Acts 9:1-19) Reading
When someone says something unexpected, we are surprised. Sometimes we are surprised by the way people act. Listen for surprises about Saul and Ananias.
Saul hated the believers in Jesus. He asked the high priest for a letter so that he could hunt down these believers and bring them back to Jerusalem to be arrested. He knew many had gone to Damascus. That is where Saul and the men with him were going. But God had a surprise for Saul on the road to Damascus.
When travelers were coming close to Damascus, a bright light from the sky circled Saul. It was so bright that Saul fell down.
"Saul, why are you so mean to me?" asked a voice from above.
"Who are you?" Saul asked.
"I'm Jesus. When you are mean to the people who believe in me, you are being mean to me, too. Go to Damascus. I'll tell you what to do when you get there."
The men with Saul saw the bright light and heard the voice. They helped Saul stand up. When Saul opened his eyes, he couldn't see. The people with Saul had to lead him to Damascus.
At the same time, Jesus talked to a man named Ananias, who believed in Jesus and lived in Damascus.
"Saul is in town. I told him that a man named Ananias would help him."
This scared Ananias.
"I know about Saul," he said. "He wants to arrest me and anyone who believes in Jesus. He is dangerous."
But Jesus said, "It will be fine. I have chosen Saul to do important work for me. He will not be mean to you."
Ananias went to the house on Straight Street where Saul was staying. He touched Saul's eyes and said, "Brother Saul, Jesus sent me to make you see again. You are now filled with the Holy Spirit."
Flakes like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes. He could see! Then Ananias baptized Saul. From that day on Saul stopped being mean to people who believed in Jesus.
Instead, he told everyone about the good news of Jesus. Saul, whose heart had been changed by Jesus, was better known after that as Paul.
*Taken from Growing in God's Love A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
Saul hated the believers in Jesus. He asked the high priest for a letter so that he could hunt down these believers and bring them back to Jerusalem to be arrested. He knew many had gone to Damascus. That is where Saul and the men with him were going. But God had a surprise for Saul on the road to Damascus.
When travelers were coming close to Damascus, a bright light from the sky circled Saul. It was so bright that Saul fell down.
"Saul, why are you so mean to me?" asked a voice from above.
"Who are you?" Saul asked.
"I'm Jesus. When you are mean to the people who believe in me, you are being mean to me, too. Go to Damascus. I'll tell you what to do when you get there."
The men with Saul saw the bright light and heard the voice. They helped Saul stand up. When Saul opened his eyes, he couldn't see. The people with Saul had to lead him to Damascus.
At the same time, Jesus talked to a man named Ananias, who believed in Jesus and lived in Damascus.
"Saul is in town. I told him that a man named Ananias would help him."
This scared Ananias.
"I know about Saul," he said. "He wants to arrest me and anyone who believes in Jesus. He is dangerous."
But Jesus said, "It will be fine. I have chosen Saul to do important work for me. He will not be mean to you."
Ananias went to the house on Straight Street where Saul was staying. He touched Saul's eyes and said, "Brother Saul, Jesus sent me to make you see again. You are now filled with the Holy Spirit."
Flakes like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes. He could see! Then Ananias baptized Saul. From that day on Saul stopped being mean to people who believed in Jesus.
Instead, he told everyone about the good news of Jesus. Saul, whose heart had been changed by Jesus, was better known after that as Paul.
*Taken from Growing in God's Love A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
Tabitha Rejoins Her Friends (Acts 9:36-43) Reading
When you miss someone you love, you may be very sad. This is how Jesus' friends felt before Jesus came back to life.
Tabitha loved Jesus very much. She did all she could for people who needed help. She was also very good at sewing clothes. She made clothes for widows who needed clothes but had no money. She worked hard to make sure that everyone knew about Jesus' love. Everyone loved Tabitha.
Then Tabitha got very sick and died.
Everyone was so sad. They couldn't believe that Tabitha was gone. Peter, one of Jesus' friends, was in a nearby town. He was telling people about Jesus. When Tabitha's friends heard that Peter was near, they went to get him.
"Come with us right away," they told Peter. "Tabitha died, and we are all sad. Please come pray for her."
Peter went with them. When they got to the house, Peter saw how sad Tabitha's friends were. They told him all how much they loved Tabitha. They showed Peter the clothing that Tabitha had made for others.
Peter said, "Let me see Tabitha."
They took him to the room where her body was. Peter told them to wait outside. He knelt by the bed and prayed. When he stood up, Peter said, "Tabitha, get up."
Tabitha opened her eyes!
"Let me help you stand," Peter said as he took Tabitha's hand.
They went to Tabitha's friends. Her friends were excited when they saw her alive!
People heard about Tabitha and Peter, and even more people believed in Jesus.
*Taken from Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
Tabitha loved Jesus very much. She did all she could for people who needed help. She was also very good at sewing clothes. She made clothes for widows who needed clothes but had no money. She worked hard to make sure that everyone knew about Jesus' love. Everyone loved Tabitha.
Then Tabitha got very sick and died.
Everyone was so sad. They couldn't believe that Tabitha was gone. Peter, one of Jesus' friends, was in a nearby town. He was telling people about Jesus. When Tabitha's friends heard that Peter was near, they went to get him.
"Come with us right away," they told Peter. "Tabitha died, and we are all sad. Please come pray for her."
Peter went with them. When they got to the house, Peter saw how sad Tabitha's friends were. They told him all how much they loved Tabitha. They showed Peter the clothing that Tabitha had made for others.
Peter said, "Let me see Tabitha."
They took him to the room where her body was. Peter told them to wait outside. He knelt by the bed and prayed. When he stood up, Peter said, "Tabitha, get up."
Tabitha opened her eyes!
"Let me help you stand," Peter said as he took Tabitha's hand.
They went to Tabitha's friends. Her friends were excited when they saw her alive!
People heard about Tabitha and Peter, and even more people believed in Jesus.
*Taken from Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:16-40) Reading
Sometimes you get in trouble even if you do the right thing.
Paul and Silas were still in Philippi at Lydia's house. Each day, they walked through the marketplace on the way to the riverbank to pray. They saw a woman telling fortunes. She was a slave, so people paid her owners instead of paying her.
When the woman saw Paul and Silas, she shouted, "Those men are servants of the true God!'
Finally, Paul had enough of her yelling and said, "In the mane of Jesus Christ, stop!"
The woman did, but now she couldn't tell fortunes either.
Her owners were angry that she couldn't earn money for them. They dragged Paul and Silas to court. "These men are making trouble. They are telling people to do things that are against Roman ways." Paul and Silas in jail.
Paul and Silas sang hymns and prayed to God until early in the morning. God heard them and sent an earthquake. It shook the building so hard that the prisoners' chains fell off. But not one prisoner left!
The shaking and noise woke the prison guard. When he saw the open doors, he thought everyone had escaped. He was afraid that he would lose his job.
But Paul yelled, "Don't worry! We're still here!"
The prison guard ran to Paul and Silas. "How can I know about your God?"
Paul and Silas told the prison guard about Jesus and the amazing things he did. They went home with the prison guard. They baptized him and everyone who lived in his house. Then they ate together.
The next day, the judges told Paul and Silas that they were free. They said that they were sorry for putting them in prison.
Paul and Silas went to Lydia's house to say good-bye. Then they were on their way.
*Taken from Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
Paul and Silas were still in Philippi at Lydia's house. Each day, they walked through the marketplace on the way to the riverbank to pray. They saw a woman telling fortunes. She was a slave, so people paid her owners instead of paying her.
When the woman saw Paul and Silas, she shouted, "Those men are servants of the true God!'
Finally, Paul had enough of her yelling and said, "In the mane of Jesus Christ, stop!"
The woman did, but now she couldn't tell fortunes either.
Her owners were angry that she couldn't earn money for them. They dragged Paul and Silas to court. "These men are making trouble. They are telling people to do things that are against Roman ways." Paul and Silas in jail.
Paul and Silas sang hymns and prayed to God until early in the morning. God heard them and sent an earthquake. It shook the building so hard that the prisoners' chains fell off. But not one prisoner left!
The shaking and noise woke the prison guard. When he saw the open doors, he thought everyone had escaped. He was afraid that he would lose his job.
But Paul yelled, "Don't worry! We're still here!"
The prison guard ran to Paul and Silas. "How can I know about your God?"
Paul and Silas told the prison guard about Jesus and the amazing things he did. They went home with the prison guard. They baptized him and everyone who lived in his house. Then they ate together.
The next day, the judges told Paul and Silas that they were free. They said that they were sorry for putting them in prison.
Paul and Silas went to Lydia's house to say good-bye. Then they were on their way.
*Taken from Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
I Wonder....
- how Tabitha felt when she was sick?
- how the other people in the prison felt when the earthquake happened?
- why people put followers of Jesus in jail?
- how can we be more like Tabitha?
- can we baptize people?
- how we can live together?
- how can we help others?
- why Paul and Silas didn't leave the prison?
- what songs Paul and Silas sang in the jail?
- who Lydia is?
- what they ate at the prison guard's house?
- where the prison guard's house is?
- where Damascus is?
Discussion Questions
- What doe it sound like when people are praising God? How do you praise God? Ask someone you love how it sounds when they praise God.
- Who is in your church? Look around next time you are there. Draw a picture of the people you see. These people are part of your church family.
- Look at the picture on these pages. How are the people showing love or helping others? What are some ways you can share with others?
- What language do you speak? Many people in the world speak more than one language. Ask someone you know to teach you some words in a language different from yours.
- What are some ways you can share with others?
- Pretend you are Ananias and you are telling your friends about helping Saul. What will you say? What do you think they will say?
- In the story, Saul couldn't see. Walk around your home with your eyes closed. Be careful! What is it like when you can't see?
- Saul stopped being mean to the people who believed in Jesus after Jesus spoke to him. How does knowing about Jesus help you be kinder and more helpful to others?
- What would you do if you heard someone crying?
- Make the faces that you think Tabitha's friends made. How did they look at the beginning of the story? How did they look at the end of the story?
- Is there someone you miss? Write a letter to that person to say you miss them.
- Paul and Silas sang hymns. What songs about Good or Jesus do you know?
- What do you think the woman looked like before and after Paul helped her?
- Paul and Silas surprised the prison guard by staying in the prison. Today, do something nice for someone who isn't expecting it!
- When have you heard good news from someone you didn't know?
- Imagine what the Ethiopian man told the queen of Ethiopia when he returned. Try drawing the different scenes in this story. Or tear up pieces of colored paper and make a collage.
- Find someone you don't know well. What good news can you tell your new friend?
Video
Saddleback Kid's
Peter Heals a Beggar Who Can't Walk
This video is 1:57 minutes long
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God Sends the Holy Spirit
This video is 3:29 minutes long
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Slapstick Theater (Tabitha)
This video is 41 seconds long
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Philip and the Ethiopian
This video is 1:47 minutes long
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Holy Moly
Paul and Silas
This video is 6:01 minutes long
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Pentecost
This video is 5:18 minutes long
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Crossroad Kids' Club
God's Story: Paul and Silas
This video is 3:42 minutes long
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God's Story: Acts
This video is 4:16 minutes long
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Songs
Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli
This song is 5:02 minutes long
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We Are a Family by Jack Hartman
This song is 4:07 minutes long
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Whole Lotta Change by Lifetree Kids
This song is 2:47 minutes long
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Spirit of the Living God by Vertical Worship
This song is 5:36 minutes long
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Early Childhood Worship (Acts 1:8) by Saddleback Kids
This song is 2:52 minutes long
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Your Life Will Change by Lifetree Kids
This song is 2:47 minutes long
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Art Project
Stained Glass Window
Materials:
Adult Preparation:
Instructions:
- tissue paper
- construction paper
- glue
Adult Preparation:
- Gather materials
Instructions:
- First, choose the story you want to create your stain glass of
- Next, think what the story is about
- Then, take the tissue paper and design your own stained glass window out of tissue paper
Content for Adults
Each Sunday there will be a class addressing the reading for that week. The classes will engage the particular Bible book for that week, paying specific attention to a theme or topic. These classes are hybrid and will meet each Sunday, in-person (EM307/308) and on Zoom, at 10:05am. The Zoom link is at the bottom of this email and is the same for each week.
Topic: Gathering Together Around God's Word - Sunday Class
Time: Every Sunday 10:00 AM EST
Join our Zoom Class:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83774936298?pwd=SUphSC9RUlkyNU1CWlA5Zit2UHJ0QT09
Meeting ID: 837 7493 6298
Passcode: 691833
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Topic: Gathering Together Around God's Word - Sunday Class
Time: Every Sunday 10:00 AM EST
Join our Zoom Class:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83774936298?pwd=SUphSC9RUlkyNU1CWlA5Zit2UHJ0QT09
Meeting ID: 837 7493 6298
Passcode: 691833
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
This video is 50:44 minutes long