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Preschool track
Overview of James
Many New Testament books highlight the truth that we are made right with God through trusting Jesus; faithfulness, not by doing good things. For example, the letter to the Ephesians says, "You are saved by God's grace because of your faith. This salvation is God's gift. It's not something you possessed. It's not something you did that you can be proud of" (Eph 2:8-9). But James made a different point. He wrote that good deeds are always a part of real faith.
James didn't say that we can get God to love us by doing lots of good things. James wrote that those who live by faith and trust in Jesus will show God's goodness with their words and actions.
If we claim we trust God but always treat people badly, that's a problem! If we believe that God loves us even when we don't deserve it, we will show love to other people. This letter teaches that trusting Jesus should change how we act. We should use our words to speak kindly. We shouldn't favor rich and popular people over people who are poor and unknown. We should pray for the sick. We should care for orphans and people who have no home.
James says that we're fooling ourselves if we hear God's commands and don't follow them (Jas 1:22). This letter shows us what real faith looks like!
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
James didn't say that we can get God to love us by doing lots of good things. James wrote that those who live by faith and trust in Jesus will show God's goodness with their words and actions.
If we claim we trust God but always treat people badly, that's a problem! If we believe that God loves us even when we don't deserve it, we will show love to other people. This letter teaches that trusting Jesus should change how we act. We should use our words to speak kindly. We shouldn't favor rich and popular people over people who are poor and unknown. We should pray for the sick. We should care for orphans and people who have no home.
James says that we're fooling ourselves if we hear God's commands and don't follow them (Jas 1:22). This letter shows us what real faith looks like!
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
Bible Readings
A Loving Heart Helps Others (James 1:19-27; 2:1-7) Reading
Parents and teachers tell you many important things. I bet your list is really long! How do you remember them all? Here's a letter from a man names James, who wrote it when the church was just getting started. He wanted the people in the church to remember what Jesus had taught about how to treat other people. Here's what he said:
"Brothers and Sisters,
It's not always easy living together in a family at home or at church. So if something happens that makes you angry, pause for a minute and listen before you talk. It's good to slow down, to stop and think. When we listen to others, we learn about them. We learn why they do or say certain things.
Another thing to remember about hearing and doing is this: Look at yourself in the mirror. What do you see? Do you see someone who knows the right thing to do in his head but forgets and does the wrong thing? Or do you see someone who knows the right thing to do and does it? God wants the things you know and the things you do to go together.
The third thing to remember is about how you treat other people. Think about this and what you would do. Let's say you get to church, and you see two people in the room. One is dressed in really nice clothes and smells like lavender. Then you see someone whose clothes aren't as nice, whose shoes have holes in the soles. And worst of all, this person needs a good warm bath. Remember, God wants us to treat all people the same way. God wants us to welcome everyone and help them all the same.
And finally, remember to love all people. You will meet many different people. People of different colors. People of different shapes and sizes. People of different religions. People who should not be hurt because of who they love. These people may need your help. Be kind. Say nice things to others. Accept them for who they are. Being a friend is the easiest way to help others.
God wants us to treat all people with love. And I know you will."
*Taken from Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
"Brothers and Sisters,
It's not always easy living together in a family at home or at church. So if something happens that makes you angry, pause for a minute and listen before you talk. It's good to slow down, to stop and think. When we listen to others, we learn about them. We learn why they do or say certain things.
Another thing to remember about hearing and doing is this: Look at yourself in the mirror. What do you see? Do you see someone who knows the right thing to do in his head but forgets and does the wrong thing? Or do you see someone who knows the right thing to do and does it? God wants the things you know and the things you do to go together.
The third thing to remember is about how you treat other people. Think about this and what you would do. Let's say you get to church, and you see two people in the room. One is dressed in really nice clothes and smells like lavender. Then you see someone whose clothes aren't as nice, whose shoes have holes in the soles. And worst of all, this person needs a good warm bath. Remember, God wants us to treat all people the same way. God wants us to welcome everyone and help them all the same.
And finally, remember to love all people. You will meet many different people. People of different colors. People of different shapes and sizes. People of different religions. People who should not be hurt because of who they love. These people may need your help. Be kind. Say nice things to others. Accept them for who they are. Being a friend is the easiest way to help others.
God wants us to treat all people with love. And I know you will."
*Taken from Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
I Wonder....
- why people are so mean to others?
- how we can help others in need?
- what can the church do to help others?
- how you can listen and be kind to others at school?
Discussion Questions
- Try listening to those around you. Hear their stories about life.
- What do you see happening around you that hurts others? What do you see happening around you that helps others?
- Who are some people you know who need your listening ear and your acts of kindness?
Songs
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Helping Song by Cocomelon
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Kindness is a Muscle by Universal Kids
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This song is 3:14 minutes long
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This song is 2:54 minutes long
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Kindness by The Juicebox Jukebox
This video is 3:18 minutes long
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Being Kind by Empty Hands
This song is 4:50 minutes long
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Jesus Loves Me (Instrumental)
This video is 1:25 minutes long
Art Projects
Kindness Rocks
Materials:
Adult Preparation:
Instructions:
- Rocks
- Paint
- Paint brushes
- Smocks (or outfit that can get messy)
- Water cups
- Modge podge (or equivalent)
Adult Preparation:
- Gather Materials
- Lay out materials
- Purchase or find smooth, flat rocks (river stones)
Instructions:
- First, wash and dry your rocks
- Next, let the rocks sit overnight to dry completely
- Then, prep the rocks by painting a solid coat on them
- Allow to dry completely
- Once rocks are completely dry, paint the rocks with kindness rocks quotes, words for kindness rocks, kindness rocks designs, or decorations
- Let dry completely
- Next, seal the rocks with modge podge (or an equivalent) and allow to dry completely
- Finally, go out and hide your rocks of kindness in approved spots
Overlapping Hands
Materials:
Adult Preparation:
Instructions:
- Construction paper
- Pencil
- Markers or crayons
Adult Preparation:
- Gather Materials
- Lay out materials
Instructions:
- First, trace hands that are overlapping on paper
- trace as many hands as you wish
- Then, color in the hands
- you can chose as many or little colors as you wish
- Finally, hang up
Helping Others Around the World
Materials:
Adult Preparation:
Instructions:
*Taken from Little Cooks Reading Books
- Glue or tape
- Scissors
- Construction paper
- Markers or other writing utensil
Adult Preparation:
- Gather Materials
- Lay out materials
Instructions:
- First, make a world globe
- Then, cut out your world.
- Next, trace your hand onto different colors of construction paper.
- The number that you will need will depend on how big your hand is and how big your world globe is. We made 8 hand cutouts.
- Once you trace your hand, cut out each hand.
- Be sure to leave some of the "wrist" on the cut out because you will use that part to attach to the world cutout.
- Then on each hand, write a way that you want to use your "helping hands" to help others
- Next, flip over your world cutout so the front is down on the table
- Once flipped, glue or tape each hand around your world, with the writing on the hands facing out so that when you look at the front of the world, you are also looking at the hands with the writing on it.
- Continue with each hand until they are surrounding your world
- Finally, hang your world in a place where you will be reminded of your acts of kindness on a regular basis.
*Taken from Little Cooks Reading Books
Service Opportunity
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National Opportunity
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International Opportunity
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Tips for Adults
The letter from James was sent far and wide to Jews who believed in Jesus. It tells us that our reactions prove how our faith is real. Genuine belief shows in good deeds.
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
Elementary Track
Overview of James
Many New Testament books highlight the truth that we are made right with God through trusting Jesus; faithfulness, not by doing good things. For example, the letter to the Ephesians says, "You are saved by God's grace because of your faith. This salvation is God's gift. It's not something you possessed. It's not something you did that you can be proud of" (Eph 2:8-9). But James made a different point. He wrote that good deeds are always a part of real faith.
James didn't say that we can get God to love us by doing lots of good things. James wrote that those who live by faith and trust in Jesus will show God's goodness with their words and actions.
If we claim we trust God but always treat people badly, that's a problem! If we believe that God loves us even when we don't deserve it, we will show love to other people. This letter teaches that trusting Jesus should change how we act. We should use our words to speak kindly. We shouldn't favor rich and popular people over people who are poor and unknown. We should pray for the sick. We should care for orphans and people who have no home.
James says that we're fooling ourselves if we hear God's commands and don't follow them (Jas 1:22). This letter shows us what real faith looks like!
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
James didn't say that we can get God to love us by doing lots of good things. James wrote that those who live by faith and trust in Jesus will show God's goodness with their words and actions.
If we claim we trust God but always treat people badly, that's a problem! If we believe that God loves us even when we don't deserve it, we will show love to other people. This letter teaches that trusting Jesus should change how we act. We should use our words to speak kindly. We shouldn't favor rich and popular people over people who are poor and unknown. We should pray for the sick. We should care for orphans and people who have no home.
James says that we're fooling ourselves if we hear God's commands and don't follow them (Jas 1:22). This letter shows us what real faith looks like!
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
Overview: James by Bible Project
This video is 8:02 minutes long
Bible Readings
A Loving Heart Helps Others (James 1:19-27; 2:1-7) Reading
Parents and teachers tell you many important things. I bet your list is really long! How do you remember them all? Here's a letter from a man names James, who wrote it when the church was just getting started. He wanted the people in the church to remember what Jesus had taught about how to treat other people. Here's what he said:
"Brothers and Sisters,
It's not always easy living together in a family at home or at church. So if something happens that makes you angry, pause for a minute and listen before you talk. It's good to slow down, to stop and think. When we listen to others, we learn about them. We learn why they do or say certain things.
Another thing to remember about hearing and doing is this: Look at yourself in the mirror. What do you see? Do you see someone who knows the right thing to do in his head but forgets and does the wrong thing? Or do you see someone who knows the right thing to do and does it? God wants the things you know and the things you do to go together.
The third thing to remember is about how you treat other people. Think about this and what you would do. Let's say you get to church, and you see two people in the room. One is dressed in really nice clothes and smells like lavender. Then you see someone whose clothes aren't as nice, whose shoes have holes in the soles. And worst of all, this person needs a good warm bath. Remember, God wants us to treat all people the same way. God wants us to welcome everyone and help them all the same.
And finally, remember to love all people. You will meet many different people. People of different colors. People of different shapes and sizes. People of different religions. People who should not be hurt because of who they love. These people may need your help. Be kind. Say nice things to others. Accept them for who they are. Being a friend is the easiest way to help others.
God wants us to treat all people with love. And I know you will."
*Taken from Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
"Brothers and Sisters,
It's not always easy living together in a family at home or at church. So if something happens that makes you angry, pause for a minute and listen before you talk. It's good to slow down, to stop and think. When we listen to others, we learn about them. We learn why they do or say certain things.
Another thing to remember about hearing and doing is this: Look at yourself in the mirror. What do you see? Do you see someone who knows the right thing to do in his head but forgets and does the wrong thing? Or do you see someone who knows the right thing to do and does it? God wants the things you know and the things you do to go together.
The third thing to remember is about how you treat other people. Think about this and what you would do. Let's say you get to church, and you see two people in the room. One is dressed in really nice clothes and smells like lavender. Then you see someone whose clothes aren't as nice, whose shoes have holes in the soles. And worst of all, this person needs a good warm bath. Remember, God wants us to treat all people the same way. God wants us to welcome everyone and help them all the same.
And finally, remember to love all people. You will meet many different people. People of different colors. People of different shapes and sizes. People of different religions. People who should not be hurt because of who they love. These people may need your help. Be kind. Say nice things to others. Accept them for who they are. Being a friend is the easiest way to help others.
God wants us to treat all people with love. And I know you will."
*Taken from Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell
I Wonder....
- why people are so mean to others?
- how we can help others in need?
- what can the church do to help others?
- how you can listen and be kind to others at school?
Discussion Questions
- Try listening to those around you. Hear their stories about life.
- What do you see happening around you that hurts others? What do you see happening around you that helps others?
- Who are some people you know who need your listening ear and your acts of kindness?
Songs
|
Jesus Loves Me (Instrumental)
This song is 1:25 minutes long
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Motions (John 13:34) by Saddleback Kids
This song is 1:56 minutes long
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Being Kind byEmpty Hands Music
This song is 4:50 minutes long
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O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus by Lifetree Kids
This song is 2:01 minutes long
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Art Project
Kindness Rocks
Materials:
Adult Preparation:
Instructions:
- Rocks
- Paint
- Paint brushes
- Smocks (or outfit that can get messy)
- Water cups
- Modge podge (or equivalent)
Adult Preparation:
- Gather Materials
- Lay out materials
- Purchase or find smooth, flat rocks (river stones)
Instructions:
- First, wash and dry your rocks
- Next, let the rocks sit overnight to dry completely
- Then, prep the rocks by painting a solid coat on them
- Allow to dry completely
- Once rocks are completely dry, paint the rocks with kindness rocks quotes, words for kindness rocks, kindness rocks designs, or decorations
- Let dry completely
- Next, seal the rocks with modge podge (or an equivalent) and allow to dry completely
- Finally, go out and hide your rocks of kindness in approved spots
Overlapping Hands
Materials:
Adult Preparation:
Instructions:
- Construction paper
- Pencil
- Markers or crayons
Adult Preparation:
- Gather Materials
- Lay out materials
Instructions:
- First, trace hands that are overlapping on paper
- trace as many hands as you wish
- Then, color in the hands
- you can chose as many or little colors as you wish
- Finally, hang up
Helping Others Around the World
Materials:
Adult Preparation:
Instructions:
*Taken from Little Cooks Reading Books
- Glue or tape
- Scissors
- Construction paper
- Markers or other writing utensil
Adult Preparation:
- Gather Materials
- Lay out materials
Instructions:
- First, make a world globe
- Then, cut out your world.
- Next, trace your hand onto different colors of construction paper.
- The number that you will need will depend on how big your hand is and how big your world globe is. We made 8 hand cutouts.
- Once you trace your hand, cut out each hand.
- Be sure to leave some of the "wrist" on the cut out because you will use that part to attach to the world cutout.
- Then on each hand, write a way that you want to use your "helping hands" to help others
- Next, flip over your world cutout so the front is down on the table
- Once flipped, glue or tape each hand around your world, with the writing on the hands facing out so that when you look at the front of the world, you are also looking at the hands with the writing on it.
- Continue with each hand until they are surrounding your world
- Finally, hang your world in a place where you will be reminded of your acts of kindness on a regular basis.
*Taken from Little Cooks Reading Books
Service Opportunities
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National Organizations
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International Organizations
|
Content for Adults
The letter from James was sent far and wide to Jews who believed in Jesus. It tells us that our reactions prove how our faith is real. Genuine belief shows in good deeds.
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible Storybook
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 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89900787541?pwd=QXF5dzBnM1Y0K1FPczgvWVNwYnFmZz09
Meeting ID: 899 0078 7541
Passcode: 328476
Topic: Gathering Together Around God's Word | Sunday Class
Time: Every Sunday 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89900787541?pwd=QXF5dzBnM1Y0K1FPczgvWVNwYnFmZz09
Meeting ID: 899 0078 7541
Passcode: 328476