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God is still speaking, Vacation Bible School Learning Design Joint project by First Congregational UCC and Mayflower UCC of Sioux City, Iowa and UCC of North Sioux City of North Sioux City, South Dakota It has become the tradition of the three sister churches of Sioux City, Iowa, and North Sioux City, South Dakota, to join together for the summer vacation Bible school to share an original program that meets their particular needs and interests. The three churches meet for VBS at a community nature center that has a variety of meeting rooms, an outdoor area and a kitchen area. It is fully accessible. For 2005, we were inspired to explore the possibilities of The Stillspeaking Initiative as our VBS theme. The three planners, Pastor Theresa Herwynen of the North Sioux City UCC, Alaire Willits of First UCC, and Linda Cron of Mayflower UCC met to brainstorm creative ideas and goals. We then contacted Ron Buford and shared emails and conference calls with Ron and colleagues to discuss the possibilities. We completed the curriculum for a 3-evening vacation Bible school and were thrilled with the results. We are delighted to share this material with other churches to try out, to embellish, to enjoy, to inspire. As a testament to the success of the VBS GISS theme, a little boy shouted his answer to a general question to the large group. When asked why we would welcome everyone to come to church to worship, he shouted, “Because we are the comma kids!” In our planning we had several goals in mind. 1. Base materials on the national GISS campaign. 2. Include the campaign commercials. 3. Use active learning centers in a rotation model. 4. Develop activities geared for preschool through 5 th grade. 5. Invite middle school and high school students to assist. 6. Provide study groups for adults to encourage parents and other adult members to participate in a multi-generational family experience. (The pastor from each church would lead one evening of adult Bible study.) 7. Offer activities that adults and children would share. 8. Include GISS identity items: commas, stickers, banks, tattoos, t-shirt logos, balloons, banners, posters. 9. Use two Bible stories to study. (Lost Coin, Samuel) 10. Incorporate a theme a night: Welcome, Celebrate, Called 11. Prepare materials for all sessions ahead of time to make it easier for the teachers and shepherds to carry out their responsibilities. 12. Light a fire in the hearts of the participants to enable them to learn and live the message of God is still speaking,
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God is still speaking, Vacation Bible School Learning Design

May 21, 2022

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Page 1: God is still speaking, Vacation Bible School Learning Design

God is still speaking,

Vacation Bible School Learning Design

Joint project by First Congregational UCC and Mayflower UCC of Sioux City, Iowa and

UCC of North Sioux City of North Sioux City, South Dakota

It has become the tradition of the three sister churches of Sioux City, Iowa, and North

Sioux City, South Dakota, to join together for the summer vacation Bible school to share

an original program that meets their particular needs and interests. The three churches

meet for VBS at a community nature center that has a variety of meeting rooms, an

outdoor area and a kitchen area. It is fully accessible.

For 2005, we were inspired to explore the possibilities of The Stillspeaking Initiative as

our VBS theme. The three planners, Pastor Theresa Herwynen of the North Sioux City

UCC, Alaire Willits of First UCC, and Linda Cron of Mayflower UCC met to brainstorm

creative ideas and goals. We then contacted Ron Buford and shared emails and

conference calls with Ron and colleagues to discuss the possibilities. We completed the

curriculum for a 3-evening vacation Bible school and were thrilled with the results. We

are delighted to share this material with other churches to try out, to embellish, to enjoy,

to inspire.

As a testament to the success of the VBS GISS theme, a little boy shouted his answer to a

general question to the large group. When asked why we would welcome everyone to

come to church to worship, he shouted, “Because we are the comma kids!”

In our planning we had several goals in mind.

1. Base materials on the national GISS campaign.

2. Include the campaign commercials.

3. Use active learning centers in a rotation model.

4. Develop activities geared for preschool through 5th grade.

5. Invite middle school and high school students to assist.

6. Provide study groups for adults to encourage parents and other adult members

to participate in a multi-generational family experience. (The pastor from each

church would lead one evening of adult Bible study.)

7. Offer activities that adults and children would share.

8. Include GISS identity items: commas, stickers, banks, tattoos, t-shirt logos,

balloons, banners, posters.

9. Use two Bible stories to study. (Lost Coin, Samuel)

10. Incorporate a theme a night: Welcome, Celebrate, Called

11. Prepare materials for all sessions ahead of time to make it easier for the

teachers and shepherds to carry out their responsibilities.

12. Light a fire in the hearts of the participants to enable them to learn and live the

message of God is still speaking,

Page 2: God is still speaking, Vacation Bible School Learning Design

Setting the environment was important to us to establish a visual message of the GISS

Initiative. To do this, we used several GISS materials from our churches.

1. The large outdoor GISS banner was hung on the entry patio railing.

2. GISS framed posters were displayed near the registration table.

3. GISS balloons and scarves decorated the registration table.

4. Comma shapes were used for name tags.

5. Red poster board door hangers were made.

6. GISS T-shirt decals were ironed on shirts.

7. Comma stickers were given out on the first and third nights.

8. GISS tattoos were put on as students arrived the third night.

9. GISS banks were distributed.

10. Comma banners were created for each church.

11. Red, white, and black bracelets were made the first night.

12. Invitation to participate and registration form was printed on red paper and

had a front page cut in the shape of a comma.

13. A GISS canvas bag was used during game sessions.

14. Adult leaders were encouraged to wear GISS t-shirts.

We celebrate the exciting and inspiring time spent together. We invite others to try our

ideas and develop new ideas. We encourage all churches to share the great adventure of

the God is still speaking, identity campaign with their young people. Including the

children and youth in this very important time in the United Church of Christ is

evidence that we are indeed listening to God’s message.

Please feel free to contact us to ask questions and to share ideas. We hope to see this

project bloom.

Your friends in Christ,

Alaire Willits [email protected]

Linda Cron [email protected]

Theresa Herwynen [email protected]

“As representatives of our congregations, we give permission for the God is still

speaking, Vacation Bible School design to be printed and distributed through the United

Church of Christ. Permission is given to use, adapt and reproduce materials in local

congregations, with credit given to the authors. In lieu of payment, we suggest a

contribution to The Stillspeaking Initiative.”

Page 3: God is still speaking, Vacation Bible School Learning Design

God is still speaking, Return by May 31 to First Congregational UCC,

4600 Hamilton Blvd, 51104

Name of participant level* other info

*levels…A=adult; Y=youth (completed gr 6 and up); E=elementary, give grade, May 05 in other info; P=preschool, give birthdate in other info

Contact Address Zip Phone Home church Special circumstances, allergies, etc: Guests I’m inviting: Fee enclosed. $5/person; $10/family We’d like to help. Contact us at (phone or email):

You’re invited to discover

God is still speaking,

Vacation Bible School for children, youth and adults

June 5 – 7, 6:00-8:00pm

Hosted by

Page 4: God is still speaking, Vacation Bible School Learning Design

We are challenged to be persons who Welcome others and Celebrate being Called to Invite everyone into our communities of faith. Children, youth and adults will learn and grow together as they explore how God has spoken in the past and how God is still speaking today.

♦ Each evening begins at 6pm, with activity centers (stories, games, crafts) and Bible study continuing through 8pm.

♦ Sunday families will have some activities to do together from 6-7pm. Children and adults divide into groups at 7pm.

♦ On Tuesday evening, we’ll have a 7:30pm closing time of worship and the challenge of inviting others into the faith.

♦ Adults are invited to participate in a Bible study Sunday - Tuesday, led by the pastors of the 3 United Church of Christ churches.

♦ We’ll create special banners for our churches, showing how God is speaking in our lives today.

♦ Children and youth will make their own t-shirt ♦ Cost is $5/person or $10 per family. Everyone brings their

own t-shirt. ♦ Volunteers for the children’s activities are needed, both

adults and youth who have completed gr 6 – high school. Registration for children and adults is requested by May 31. You may complete the back of this flier and mail to 4600 Hamilton Blvd, Sioux City 51104, email [email protected] or contact any of the 3 churches: First Congregational United Church of Christ,

239-3385 Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ,

258-8278, or the N Sioux City United Church of Christ,

235-1844 “Never place a period where God

has placed a comma” Gracie Allen

God is still speaking, When: Sunday, June 5 – Tuesday, June 7 6pm – 8pm each evening Where: Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center For: everyone! This is a multi-generational event. Family activities, adult study, center-based learning for children Preschool – gr 5 (based on grade just completed), and opportunities for youth volunteers.

Cost: $5/person or $10/family, plus, each child needs to bring a plain white t-shirt on the first evening. Special learning sessions Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings for all adults led by

Rev Al Hohl, Rev Dan Lozer, and Rev Theresa Herwynen

Your hosts: First Congregational United Church of Christ, Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ, United Church of Christ in N Sioux City

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Rooms…Two big rooms divided; one for art, one for storyteller Games outdoors if possible, or in gathering area

Adult study in conference room.

Theme: WELCOME

Sunday – children’s schedule

Time period What Supplies Supplies Provided by

Where Adults in charge

5:30 – 7:30 Registration Name tags Extra forms, pens

Alaire Foyer

Door hanger

Red card stock, mailing labels, commas to cut, scissors, stickers, markers, etc

Alaire

God’s eye Popsicle sticks, preglued into X

Red, black, white yarn, felt commas,

sobo glue

Linda, Alaire glue

Yarn -Everyone

Linda “

Comma banner

Red vinyl White paper commas Glue/rubber cement

Theresa Alaire

“ Bead

activity Red, white, black beads

Elastic cord scissors

Alaire

Registration to 7:00

t-shirt Transfers, iron, board, towels, etc

Alaire

Art center

7:00 – 7:30 Music, video, games

Linda and Theresa

Story room

Volunteer adults and

parents

2 adults and 1 youth per

table

Small group time

Game suggestions, talking,

Linda Spots around

area

shepherds 7:30 – 8:00

Closing Closing prayer activity …all groups. Name tags will be commas with name on it on strings. At the close of the last session of the evening, the small group leader will gather the children/adults into a circle, and place a basket in the center. “My name is**** and Jesus calls me by name.” Go around circle until each has done this. “Thank you, God, for calling us. Amen.”

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Theme: CELEBRATE Monday – children’s schedule

Time period What Supplies Provided by Where Adult in

charge 5:30 – 6:00 Registration Name tags

Extra forms, pens

Alaire Foyer Donna

Early arrival activity

Comma banner, t-shirts, see Sunday for particulars.

6:00 – 6:25 Activity center See Monday chart below 6:30 – 7:00 Large group

activity, music, etc

Photographer

Rap, etc

Alaire

LInda

outside Linda

7:00 – 7:25 Activity center See Monday chart below Activity center See Monday chart below 7:30 – 8:00

Closing – same as last

night

Closing prayer activity …all groups. Name tags will be commas with name on it on strings. At the close of the last session of the evening, the small group leader will gather the children/adults into a circle, and place a basket in the center. “My name is**** and Jesus calls me by name.” Go around circle until each has done this. “Thank you, God, for calling us. Amen.”

Activity Centers - Monday The Lost coin

What Activity Writer Adults in charge Art “trash walk” and

individual treasure collage

Alaire Ann and Donna

Storyteller Tell story and have cupcake party to

celebrate

Alaire Amanda

Games Texture tubs with coins and other

games: see game instructions.

Include yellow bracelet

Linda/Theresa Beads - Alaire

Linda

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Theme: CALLED Tuesday – children’s schedule

Time period What Supplies Provided by Where Adult in

charge 5:30 – 6:00 Registration Name tags

Extra forms, pens

Alaire Foyer Donna

Early arrival activity

Comma banner, t-shirts, see Sunday for particulars.

6:00 – 6:25 Activity center See Tuesday chart below 6:30 – 7:55 Activity center See Tuesday chart below 7:00 – 7:25 Activity center See Tuesday chart below 7:25 – 8:00 Closing

celebration Music and rap, commercials, slide show of VBS activities, hand

out GISS banks and list of opportunities for families to volunteer in the community.

Activity Centers - Tuesday Samuel is called

What Activity Writer Adults in charge Art Picture in frame Alaire Ann and Donna

Storyteller Act out story and make bracelet -

purple

Alaire Amanda

Games Listen up and other games. See game

instructions. Snack – air popper

Linda/Theresa

Linda

Page 8: God is still speaking, Vacation Bible School Learning Design

Adult schedule

Sunday

6:00 – 7:00 Register…be involved with children in Stillspeaking crafts 7:00 – 8:00 Bible study

God is still speaking, through Story -- Pastor Al Hohl How God speaks to us yet today through the stories in Scripture

Monday 6:00 – 6:30 Bible study

God is still speaking, through Hospitality -- Pastor Theresa Herwynen Extravagant welcome, with the common difficulty of welcoming those who are not like us. Explores “us” and “them,” "insider" and "outsider" language and behavior

6:30 Join children and staff to be a part of comma photo shoot outdoors 7:00 – 8:00 Continue Bible study

Tuesday

6:00 – 7:30 Bible Study

God is still speaking, through Prayer – Pastor Dan Lozar Different styles of prayer and how we experience God speaking through them

7:30 Closing -- Everyone together

Page 9: God is still speaking, Vacation Bible School Learning Design

Information for Shepherds

Bold indicates when you will have your small group. Additional instructions will provided for you from the workshop leaders.

SUNDAY: THEME – WELCOME

Arrival – 7pm: Various art centers set up. We’ll assign adults to activity centers when you arrive. Plan to help where you can…Door hangers, t-shirt, God’s eye, bracelets, banner. 7:00 – 7:30pm: Music, video, large group activities: children will be assigned to small groups at this time. 7:30 – 8pm: Small group activity. Supplies for an assortment of games are on a table in the large room. Select games from the list of options and pick up game supplies. Staff will give additional directions and suggestions. Closing: Name tags will be commas on a string. Children will write their own names on the commas when they register. At the close of the last session of the evening, the small group leaders/shepherds will gather the children/adults into a circle and place a basket in the center. Help the children say the following phrase as they put their nametag in the basket: “My name is____ and Jesus calls me by name.” Go around circle until each has done this. Adult closes with: “Thank you, God, for calling us. Amen”

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Monday: Theme – CELEBRATE

Arrival 5:30 – 6:00 Arrival activities from last night continue. Children will check in and get name tags. Work on large art projects as time allows. We will assign group. Find children assigned to you last night; others may be added, based on ages and new registrations.

WORKSHOP ROTATION Time Creative center –

Trash/treasure art Storyteller – story and

celebration (food) Games – and bracelet

6:00 – 6:25 Grp 1 Grp 2 Grp 3 6:30 – 7:00 Large group photo shoot activity outdoors, weather permitting.

Shepherd responsible to move children to and from. Adults will join the children.

7:00 – 7:30 Grp 3 Grp 1 Grp 2 7:30 – 7:55 Grp 2 Grp 3 Grp 1

7:55…closing Talk about story of lost coin. Learned? Gather the children a circle, and place a basket in the center. “My name is____and Jesus calls me by name.” Go around circle until each has done this. “Thank you, Lord, for calling us. Amen”

Shepherd help in workshops.

♦ Be extra hands as needed in each workshop. ♦ Keep order and discipline ♦ Pull children together after they’ve helped straighten area. Pull a point or two

that came up in discussion and try to close with prayer – offer to let children lead prayer.

Suggestions for closing in art center: In our parable, a woman who owned a coin, lost it, searched for it and found it. If the coin represents us, who do you think the person (woman,) searching for the lost item represents? (God) God is a kind and forgiving God. God loves you no matter what you do. God is sad when you do wrong and make bad choices, but God will never leave you, and God will forgive you when you come to Him and ask for forgiveness. Suggestions for closing with storyteller: Shepherds bring it all together with brief prayer, thanking God for the opportunity to tell others about Jesus.

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TUESDAY: THEME – CALLED

Arrival 5:30 – 6:00 Arrival activities from last night continue. Children will check in and get name tags. Work on large art projects as time allows. Children will stay in same groups Find children assigned to you last night; others may be added, based on ages and new registrations.

WORKSHOP ROTATION

Time Creative center – Photo frames

Storyteller – costume and retell/contemporary scenario and bracelet

Games – and snack

6:00 – 6:25 Grp 1 Grp 2 Grp 3 6:30 – 6:55 Grp 3 Grp 1 Grp 2 7:00 – 7:25 Grp 2 Grp 3 Grp 1

Special closing with children and adults

7:30…closing

Take home GISS banks and list of opportunities for families to volunteer in the community.

Shepherds help in workshops.

♦ Be extra hands as needed in each workshop. ♦ Keep order and discipline ♦ Pull children together after they’ve helped straighten area. Pull a point or two

that came up in discussion and try to close with prayer – offer to let children lead prayer.

Suggestions for closing in creative center: Did you know that we can listen when we pray? We usually think of praying as talking to God. Right now, when we pray, let’s listen to God. I’ll begin, and then we’ll quietly listen with our hearts to see what God might be saying. Dear God, we’re so glad you love us and want to speak to us. Please teach us new ways to listen to you more carefully. Help us still our hearts and be quiet so we can hear you better. Silence (about a minute) In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Suggestions for closing in storytelling center Help make bracelet to remember being called. Eli was a priest. Purple is the color of royalty. Who is our ruler? Whose example can we follow? Discuss what they can do.

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Instructions for Group Art Projects, Commas, Registration Forms

Commas Times Roman 400 point outline will give you a basic form to start with. Enlarge to get the size commas needed for different projects. Use the copier to enlarge 200%, then 200% again, or size best fits the project. You can play with all sizes of the original, as well as how to enlarge and reduce on your copier. We cut off just a part of the tail of the comma so that the tail lined up with the left side of the top for the nametags and banner commas. Large commas were used for the nametags and for the banner. Smaller commas were used on the door hangers. Registration form I enlarged on the copier the outline comma until it fit top to bottom on ½ of a letter size paper, landscape orientation. The text of the registration brochure was shaped/spaced so that we could cut just outside the left side of the comma, with no words showing. The file registration.doc will give you our text and how it was spaced. You’ll need to format your own text on your own computer to get the spaces to fit. When you get ready to print from your computer, create a sheet with just the comma form on the right side of the page, then run that sheet through the printer, printing the text for the cover and back page on the sheet that already had the comma.

After the brochures were folded, we cut close, but not on, the comma outline from top to bottom, along the right half of the comma. Looks like a fancy party invitation! Nametags Commas out of white cardstock, each about 6 inches high. Punch hole in top and run yarn through. Door hangers Red poster board was cut in pieces approx 4”x6-7”. God is still speaking, was printed on mailing labels. Children cut hole towards the top to hang over doorknob, then added printed mailing label, commas they cut from white or black paper, and decorated with stickers and/or drawings.

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Comma banner Red vinyl purchased from fabric store. Cut 34” piece, using 54” width as the length of banner. Create a casing in the top and bottom for a dowel. Letters for God is still speaking were cut from stick-on felt. We found it easier to have the letters applied before the children started – they stick very well, and are impossible to remove and reuse. Children were to decorate a comma shape make on white paper (about 6” high) to show a way God is still speaking. Applied to vinyl with rubber cement. Beads Each evening, the children made a bracelet. We used regular pony beads and a 12” piece of round elastic. Sunday bracelets were red, white and black, the colors of the GISS campaign. Monday they were yellow to represent the lost coin, Tuesday they were purple, lavender and royal blue to represent royalty. Children could create whatever pattern they wanted using the evening’s colors. Put on and wear immediately! T-shirt We asked each child to bring a washed, plain white t-shirt. Transfers of commas and GISS messages had been made on the computer using Avery transfer paper (pkg of 4-5 sheets is $6-8). We were able to get 5 transfers on one sheet. I used Printmaster program to make the transfers. Instructions for application (and using other print programs) are inside the Avery package.

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Sunday evening 7:00-7:30: Large Group Activity 1. As students and adults enter the room, they are greeted warmly with a hand shake and a welcome. (Glad you are here. We are so happy to see you. Tonight is better because you are here, etc) 2. Leader explains that tonight is a night of great welcome for everyone who came…just like God welcomes us into a great way of living, of being a part of something wonderful. Our Bible tells us that God called many people long ago and we believe God is still calling us, still speaking today. 3. “God is still speaking” wave. Teach “God is still speaking” words for the wave activity. (Have the words printed on paper posted on the wall.) Practice the “wave” around the group. Hand out pieces of crepe paper to do the wave with. Practice wave with paper. Add words to the wave. Repeat the words several times in a row so the “wave” can circle the group several times. Words: (Chant in a rhythmic style) Like the waves of the ocean, like the waves of the sea God is still speaking, speaking to me! 4. Commercial videos. Leader explains that the leaders in our church are showing commercials on TV to let everyone know that our church has open doors for all who want to be a part of our church family. Show the commercials to the large group. 5. Teach sign language for: “You are welcome here” and “God is still speaking” and GISS. 6. Beach ball madness. Have several balls blown up. Each ball will have a message printed on it with permanent marker. (God loves you. God is still speaking, You are welcome here. Never place a period where God has placed a comma.) Invite the whole group to toss balls around until the stop signal is given. Leader calls out: “Who has God loves you ball?” That person stands. Continue with the other balls and phrases. After all four phrases are called, repeat the “free-for-all” tossing around, give stop signal, and call the four phrases again. If a very young child has one of the balls, give color cues to help them know to stand up for their phrase. 7. Divide into small groups to do small group games. Leaders of each small group get game supplies from table in large room and find a place to play the suggested games.

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Copyright © Modern Signs Press, Inc. Permission to use the above signing instructions in connection with this Vacation Bible School learning design graciously given to settings of the United Church of Christ by the publisher. Signs from the CD Signing Exact English by Gerilee Gustason, Esther Zawolkow. Visit www.modernsignspress.com

Page 16: God is still speaking, Vacation Bible School Learning Design

Copyright © Modern Signs Press, Inc. Permission to use the above signing instructions in connection with this Vacation Bible School learning design graciously given to settings of the United Church of Christ by the publisher. Signs from the CD Signing Exact English by Gerilee Gustason, Esther Zawolkow. Visit www.modernsignspress.com

Page 17: God is still speaking, Vacation Bible School Learning Design

Sunday evening 7:30-8:00: Small group games The purpose of these games is to help the students learn each other’s names, to have fun, to establish a sense of “community” with a group, and to be creative. Supplies for these games can be found at the supply table. Select games that are of interest to you and the students. Parachute games The parachute is really a sheet………just pretend. These games are especially designed to help the students learn each other’s names and to work together. For the younger groups, Place a ball in the center of the sheet and call a student’s name. Everyone works as a team to roll the ball to the named person. Repeat until all names have been called. Place a ball in the center of the sheet and ask the group to work as a team to make the ball go around in a circle. Shout out “switch directions” to reverse the circle. The group holds the sheet and lifts and lowers the sheet. As the sheet goes up, call two names of people to switch places. The named people let go of the sheet and run under it while it is in the air. Repeat until all have had a turn. For the older groups, Place a ball in the center of the sheet and call a student’s name. Team work rolls the ball to that person. As the names are learned, call the names quickly so they have to remember and respond quickly to get the ball to the named people. Place a ball in the center of the sheet and ask the group to work together as a team to roll the ball in a pattern: circle, square, cross, triangle, first letter of their name. Ask the group to challenge themselves to think of a shape to create.

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Scavenger hunt The purpose of this game is to share the concept that God is still speaking to us through nature. Reinforce this idea throughout the hunt. A series of clues are printed for the leader or students to read. They are to hunt for the object in the nature center to find the answer. There are two sets of clues, an easier one for the younger students and more difficult ones for the older students. (Original clue rhymes were written for use in the nature center in which our VBS met. Write clues to fit your VBS setting.) For the younger groups: Read the clues so all the students can hear. Help them discover what the clue might reveal and where they might find it in the big nature room. Give extra clues as the students need them. Clues are on the next page. For the older groups: Ask the students to read the clue to the group if they are willing. Encourage them to think together to solve the clue and to find the answer in the big nature room. Clues are on the next page. Bag Games Help the children understand that sometimes a message from God is a surprise to us. There is always something new to learn, to do, and to listen to. Reinforce these points while doing the activity. For the younger groups: There will be a paper bag full of a variety of items and an empty paper bag. One student will turn their back to the group. The leader asks one child to quietly take one item out of the filled bag, silently show it to others, and then to put the item in the empty bag. The one child will turn back to the group, put their hand into the bag and try to guess what the item is. The group can respond together with yes or no answers. For the older groups: There will be a few bags with an unusual mix of items in them. The students can make a choice as to what to do with the bag. Provide a bag for each group of 3 or 4 students. Each group then decides to use the items as props to tell a story or they can decide to create a game out of the items found in the bag. Give each group a few minutes to prepare and then ask them to present the story or game for the other group(s).

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Color Me Proud The purpose of this activity is to help the students recognize and remember the identity colors of the God is still speaking theme. The colors are red, black and white. Each group will have a large sheet of paper, and markers. Ask the students to list as many things as they can think of that are the colors of red, black, and white. Challenge them to extend their thinking and to connect the colors they see to the colors of the God is still speaking banners, etc.

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Monday evening 6:30- 7:00: Large Group Activity For the large group activity, a photo shoot of the human GISS comma will be taken. Before the students arrive, map out the shape of a comma on the lawn (stakes and rope work well, or get the water soluble spray paint gardeners use to outline beds). During the large group time, adults and children will gather along the outline of the giant comma. If you have a large group of participants, fill in the center of the comma. Post a photographer at a high point to take the picture of the human comma. We used a digital camera. If there is time after the photo shoot of the “comma people” the following rap can be taught. Alternate the verse with whispers and shouts. God is still speaking speaking, speaking, Speaking in a whisper or a shout. God is still speaking speaking, speaking, Speaking to us no doubt! Lyrics by Cliff Aerie. Permission to use with this resource in all UCC settings.

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Monday evening Games during rotation small group activities The games for Monday emphasize the story of the Lost Coin and its message and the feeling of celebration. Emphasize that 1. it is worth our time to search for important things, 2. when we are with God we are found, 3. when we find the lost, it is great to celebrate. Select the games that fit the age of the group. With each game, emphasize the important message of the Lost Coin story and celebration. Select games that interest you and your group. There is not enough time to play all the games described. Bracelets For all ages: Have groups do this so they will be able to have a collection of three bracelets by the end of the VBS. There will be containers of yellow beads and elastic strings for students to make a yellow bracelet to represent the gold of the coin in the Lost Coin story. Talk about the story as the children string a bracelet to go with the red, white, and black bracelet made the night before. Encourage them to wear both bracelets the next night because they will be making a third bracelet on Tuesday. Hidden Coins For all ages Partner the students in pairs. One half of the group hides their eyes or leaves the room while the other half hides the coins around the room. After coins are hidden, invite the “seekers” to come back to find the coins. Encourage them to work in their pairs. The group that hid the coins can give clues like “You’re getting warmer” or “You’re getting colder” as the seekers looks for the coins. Trade jobs for a second round of the game.

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Texture Tubs For the younger students There will be three tubs of textures and 3 bags of coins to hide in the textures. (We used rice, sand, and foam pellets.) Divide the group into 3 smaller groups. Each group hides coins in a texture tub. Rotate groups so they search for coins in a tub that has coins hidden by another group. Repeat 3 times so the children get to hide and find coins in each tub. For the older students There will be a 3 tubs of textures and a bag of felt coins with words printed on them to hide in the textures. (Prepare yellow felt coins by printing “Lost Coin Story” words on felt coin-shaped circles with permanent marker.) Place the tub in the center of the group and ask two or three of the students to dig in and find words. After each person finds 3 words, it is their turn to watch others find words. As they find words, encourage them to create a message about the lost coin story. Ring on a Rope For all ages This is an old fashioned searching and guessing game. The group sits in a circle. A circle of rope with a ring on it is held by everyone except a person in the middle of the circle. The challenge is for the group to pass the ring from hand to hand around the circle secretly while the person in the middle tries to keep track of the ring. The leader will call GO to start the passing and call STOP at some point. The person in the middle then tries to guess who has the ring hidden in their hand. If the center person guesses correctly, he/she trades places with the person with the ring in the hand. It is ok to switch directions and cause distractions to make the challenge more fun. Join the Group The message here is that there is a safe place for everyone to be in the UCC. Give each person a “game piece” such as a comma, a small figure, a cross, a symbol that represents them individually, etc. Everyone might have the same piece or each person could have an individual piece. Select one person to be the first one to hide their object while the others are not looking. Call the group together and explain that each person is to quietly find the hiding place and secretly add his/her game piece to the hiding spot. When the last person finds the hiding place, everyone rejoices that the whole group succeeded in finding a place together.

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Tuesday Night Games during rotation small group activities The games for Tuesday emphasize the story of Samuel who was called by God. At first Samuel did not believe his ears. As members in the United Church of Christ, we believe that God still speaks to us today. It is our job to listen and then to act. It is important to take the time to listen so we understand what God calls us to do. Each game has a listening component. Reinforce the connection of listening skills in the games to the story of God calling Samuel and others. Select games that interest you and your group. There is not enough time to play all the games described. Listen Up! For the younger students In this game you will use a tape player, a cassette, picture cards, and game markers. Tell the children they will hear some very interesting sounds. Ask them to listen closely so they can guess what the sound is. As they guess as a group, ask one student to put a marker on the picture of the item or to raise a card if the sound picture is on it. Give clues as needed. (We borrowed a commercial sound identification game from a local preschool for this activity.) Samuel Says For the all students This is the old fashioned game of Simon Says but we will use Samuel Says. One person is a leader and stands in front of the group. The rest of the group lines up along a line facing “Samuel.” When Samuel says “Samuel says to hop on one foot,” all the students need to hop forward. Samuel then gives another order, “Samuel says stop.” All the students should stop. If Samuel says, “Walk backwards” without saying Samuel says first, whoever follows that order goes back to the line. The first person to get to the end line is the next Samuel. For the younger students, the adult leader might need to give the “orders” and do some practices before the actual game starts. Take care with their feelings. For the older students who are familiar with this game, let them be creative in their calls and have lots of fun with their listening skills.

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Surprise Pops For all students In this activity you will need a sheet to cover the floor or table, an air pop corn popper, and cups. Review with the students how God often surprises us with God’s call. Seat the children around the popper at a safe distance from the popper. Place kernels in the popper but do not use the plastic shoot. Simply let the kernels pop and try to catch them with the cups. Every time a kernel pops, the students are surprised! Keep It Going! For older students The students will stand in a circle. One person will pull a word card out of a bag. The words in the bag are related to the Samuel story. The goal is to toss a ball back and forth among students while spelling the word. Example: SAMUEL would take 7 tosses to complete the spelling of the word. If a ball is dropped or the word misspelled, the students start again until they can complete the number of tosses to spell the word successfully. If they are really good at this, see how many times they can spell the word before there is a miss in spelling or tossing the ball. Suggested words to spell: Samuel, servant, Hannah (Samuel’s mother), Eli (the priest Samuel went to serve), Priest, Bible, faithful, Promise (Hannah made a promise to God), listen, answer, Here I am, Speak, Israel. (If the students complete all these words, let them choose words of their own to finish up the game.)

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Telephone For all students In this game, the students sit in a circle, close enough to each other so they can whisper in the next person’s ear. The first person starts the message; the second person whispers to the third, etc, until the message goes all the way around. The last person to get the message says it out loud to the group. The first person states what the real message was. For the younger students, use simpler messages with content that would be familiar to them. For the older students, encourage them to challenge each other. There are some suggestions below for messages to be used. These will be on card that the older students can draw from to get ideas. Sample Samuel messages: Speak God, your servant is listening. Samuel loved God and did what God asked. Here I am. God, I am listening. Be a faithful servant of God. How many ways can God speak to us?

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Tuesday Night 7:30-8:00 Large Group Activity Adults and students all gather in the large activity room. As people enter the large room, the youth who have been assistants give everyone a “high five” and welcome them warmly. They also will hand out comma stickers to everyone. The leader asks “Who are welcome here?” Students call out answers. (We are! I am! Everybody!) Show TV commercials. Have students show the adults:

Sign language messages.

Wave and chant

God is still speaking rap Show the group the digital picture slide show (pictures have been taken throughout the VBS sessions and put into a computer slide show that can be projected on screen or wall). Thank everyone who participated in the GISS VBS and encourage them to take the next important step of inviting people to join us as we listen to the messages God is still giving us today. Musical closing. The large group will sing Kum Ba Ya tune with new words that are posted on the wall. Review the posted words to the Kum Ba Ya tune.( See below.) Randomly select 3 students to come forward. Dim the lights. Give the first student a small flash light to shine upward and hold during the first verse. At the second verse, pass the flash light to the second student. At the third verse, pass the flash light to the third student.

Speak to me my God Speak to me. Speak to me my God Speak to me. Speak to me my God Speak to me. Oh God, speak to me.

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I will listen God, I will listen. I will listen God, I will listen. I will listen God I will listen, Oh God, I will listen. I will go my God, I will go. I will go my God, I will go. I will go my God, I will go. Oh God, I will go. Turn up the lights, thank the group for coming, and dismiss them to meet their rides. As they leave the room, give each child and adult the list of family volunteer opportunities in the community they could participate in and a GISS bank.

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ART WORKSHOP – Lost & Found Purpose: The children will hear the story of the lost coin, and discover that what we may think is trash can be made to look like a treasure – and that we are each a treasure to God. Advance preparation: gather trash from home and hide trash around the VBS area. Since workshop is repeated 3 times, create a “trash area” for each group. Supplies: “trash” to plant around nature center Optional: Grocery bags for collecting trash pencils, clipboards Poster/card board drawing paper Glue guns, extra glue sticks Regular glue Scissors Helen Caswell book – The Lost Coin Lesson: Welcome children warmly to your workshop Here are questions to open with. Since they might all want to answer at the same time, use the sheep Beanie Baby to pass around. The child holding the sheep is the only one who can share while holding it. Ask one question – if they answer yes, they can explain further. If they answer no, they then pass it to the next child until a yes answer and explanation. · Have you ever lost something? · Was it something valuable to you or something not worth much? · How hard did you look for it? · Did that depend on how valuable it was to you? · Did you ever find it? · If so, what did you do when you found it? If not, what did you do? · Have you ever been lost? · Have you ever helped someone look for something they lost? · Have you ever just stumbled upon something someone else lost? · Was it expensive or not worth much? · What did you do with the item you found? We’re going to go on a “trash to treasure” walk. Have you ever heard of the saying, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure”? What do you think that means? Before going, explain the rules: · You’ll be walking quietly (other children and adults in classes) around the center --- empty rooms, outside in front, out in the nature areas close to the building, etc. until each person in the group finds one thing they think is trash/has been thrown away/no longer wanted by someone. (Note: we’ll “plant” some “trash” so the children will be sure to find something – crayons, paper clips, crumpled paper, etc.) · Make sure they understand that they should NOT take something that they know belongs to someone --- they need to check with you before taking it.

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· Examples of what they might find: something from nature, scrap of paper or other objects on the ground, items in the trash (make sure they use good judgment and/or check with you), etc. · You may not “pick” any items, nor break off branches, etc. If something is “a part” of nature, we leave it that way. Add additional rules here that you would like enforced in this walk. Go on your “trash to treasure” hunt --- try not to take more than 5-8 minutes so there is enough time for art projects. When you return to the art workshop: Lay the “found items” in the center of the group. What do you think these items might have been used for? Who might be looking for them? (Let a little creativity flow here!) Let’s see if we can create some art works with what we’ve found. They may use any items to glue or attach pieces to each other. They can use a piece of heavier cardboard as a base and make it a standing sculpture or a larger piece of cardstock to make a flatter picture. Remind them there is no right or wrong way to do this -- it’s their own creation. Name creations. Share with group? Talk about them. Use your own words to bring out these points: Jesus told parables (stories with a point/meaning) that we can find in Luke 15 about things that are lost and found. We’re going to talk about one of them. Tell parable of lost coin….use your own words, story-teller style. Make up name of the woman. Read from Luke 15:8-10 or use the Helen Caswell book. Elementary age children – alternate or additional activity: Distribute paper and pencils. Make 2 sections on the paper. Mark one “Lost” and the other “Found.” Using the item they found, have children write or draw a picture of what they would say if they had lost the item and wanted help finding it. Include description, why they need it back, reward, etc. Have children write or draw a picture of what they would say if they found this item (which they did) in order to get it back to its owner including description, where found, etc. If necessary, give some ideas of your own to get started. As they work you can ask them to share their thoughts and ideas. , Closing: (shepherd) sharing and prayer. In our parable, a woman who owned a coin, lost it, searched for it and found it. If the coin represents us, who do you think the person (woman,) searching for the lost item represents? (God) God is a kind and forgiving God. God loves you no matter what you do. God is sad when you do wrong and make bad choices, but God will never leave you, and God will forgive you when you come to God and ask for forgiveness.

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COOKING WORKSHOP – Lost Coin

Purpose The children will experience discovering something important missing, hear the story of the lost coin, and then decorate cupcakes for a celebration of finding something important that was lost. They will also decorate cups to help tell others about God’s love for them. Supplies Big piece jigsaw puzzle Styrofoam cups, 3-4 each Shawl for storytelling markers Coins cupcakes, 1 per child Lamp frosting Broom plastic knives Bibles juice Napkins plastic table cloths Sprinkles “good news” written so younger wipes ones can copy – see lesson Advance preparation: When cupcakes are made, place an M&M or chocolate kiss in the bottom of each before it’s baked. Discretely hide one piece of the puzzle before you hand pieces to children. Lesson As children enter the workshop, welcome them and ask them to sit on the floor Explain that you have a puzzle for them to work on as a group. Give them each one piece of the puzzle and have them try to put it together. Soon they’ll notice once piece is missing. Ask what feelings they have because of the missing piece. Ask what feelings they’ll have when they find the missing piece and complete the puzzle. Just like you’ll be happy when the puzzle piece is found and put together with all the pieces, that’s just what Jesus wanted the Pharisees and other religious leaders and teachers to know and experience when sinners (people who don’t follow God’s laws) repent (turn away from saying and doing things wrong in God’s eyes) and turn to Jesus. Jesus wants us to do the right things. That reminds me of a story from the Bible that Jesus told. Put on the shawl and tell the story below. (Try to know it well in advance and tell it in your own words so it’s more effective.) (Option for gr 3rd - 5th - have students get with a partner, share a Bible and find: Luke 15:8-10. Read it together. Then follow with the story below told in first person.)

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I’m a woman from Israel and I want to tell you a story. What is so special about this story is that it was told by Jesus and even better, it’s about me! Have you ever heard any stories from the Bible about things that were lost? (pause to allow them to answer). Yes! And one of the stories was about me. Now in Jesus time, when an Israelite woman got married, she didn’t receive a wedding ring. Instead she received 10 beautiful coins. (Show the coins.) These were more than just money. They were special gold coins that were a symbol of marriage. I proudly displayed my coins in my home to show everyone I was in a happy marriage. Well, one day, I had taken down my coins to clean them, and when I went to put them back on the shelf, I noticed one of them was gone. I was in a panic. I still had nine others, but it wasn’t the same. I had to find that coin. I lit every lamp I had, which wasn’t cheap in those days. Oil was expensive, but I used all the oil I had to light my house. Then I took my broom and swept and cleaned every corner of the house, under the bed, behind the cooking stove, every nook and cranny. Will you help me use the broom and lamp to find my coin? Maybe we’ll find your puzzle piece, too! (have children help you look for the lost coin – encourage them to find the puzzle piece in the search as well.) When they find the coin and puzzle piece, say: Oh, my coin! And your puzzle piece, too! Put the puzzle piece in and I’ll put my coins away for safekeeping! This calls for a party! Let’s celebrate that we found something precious and special to me! Help me set up for the party! Have children help set up: put plastic table cloths on the tables, have children pass out napkins. Pass out the cupcakes (pre-made). Put the frosting containers, sprinkles, toppings and plastic knives on the tables. Before they get ready to eat…ask: What were the tools the woman used to find the coin? (lamp and broom) I have an idea of what we could do so that people will know how wonderful, special and great Jesus is … let’s write messages about God and Jesus on foam cups so that Sunday when adults and children come to get coffee at our worship services, they can read about Jesus’ love for them! The cups will be our tools! What are some things you might write on a cup? Sample ideas:

• God is good all the time! • Jesus loves you! • I’m glad you are here … and so is God! • Don’t be lost … let God find you!

Use markers and have children write their messages on Styrofoam cups, 3-4 cups each. Now we can really celebrate! When they bite into their cupcake they’ll find a hidden surprise (a creamy filling and a chocolate candy kiss). Make the comparison to the hidden surprise in their cupcake back to the hidden coin.

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As they eat, discuss the story. These questions may guide your discussion: 1. As Jesus told this story about the woman who lost the coin, who do you think the woman represented in the story? (God) 2. Who do you think the coin represents? (people who don’t know God or are separated from God – people who don’t realize that God loves them) NOTE: The coin didn’t run away from the woman (like the lost sheep or son), it just fell to the floor and lay there. 3. What other 2 items were in the story? (the lamp and the broom) 4. What did the lamp do in the story? (helped guide the woman to the coin) 5. I wonder what we could do to guide people who don’t know who Jesus is … 6. What did the broom do in the story? (swept the coin to the woman) 7. I wonder what we could do to bring people to Jesus … 8. Why do you think the woman in the story had a party to celebrate when she found the coin? (so happy/joyful). 9. If the woman in the story represents God and the coin represents people who don’t know that God loves them, what do you think it means that God will celebrate when God finds someone? (heavens will rejoice when people return to God) 10.Do you think that everybody who comes to our church knows who Jesus is, how to be close to God, that Jesus loves them, etc.? Points to bring out in your conversations – adjust to age level: The coin didn't wander away. That coin was simply lost — alone, lying on the floor, waiting to be found. Jesus is telling us in this story of the woman and the lost coin that there are people in this world who are like the coin — they have somehow slipped through the cracks or quietly been overlooked. They're lost and they're waiting to be found --- if we're not in a relationship with Christ, then we are separated from God. We're lost and God is in the business of finding us. People who are lost are waiting for those who have already been found by God for someone to search them out and find them. Waiting for people like us who are the representatives of God's lost and found department to say to them, "I've got something that will help you find your way back home." Have children help clean up from the party and wash their hands. Closing Shepherd bring it all together with brief prayer, thanking God for the opportunity to tell others about Jesus.

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Art Center… Samuel

Purpose In this workshop, children will explore noise, and then hear and act out the story of Samuel. This interactive story will help children understand that God called a young person to ministry and that it is important to listen to God. They will create a picture in a frame of themselves. Advance Preparation This workshop requires a photo of each child that can be placed in the frame they create. Several options are available to you.

• Photos can be taken of the children on a prior evening, developed, and then are ready to use. A Polaroid should be on hand to take pictures of children who were absent when the original shots were taken.

• All the pictures could be taken with a Polaroid (we felt that was cost-prohibitive) • If you have access to a digital camera and a printer on-site, this would be a great idea.

We would suggest 2 camera/printer setups, since time is a factor with this project. Supplies CD or tape player and music “stuff” to decorate frames Extension cord commas, poms, scraps, etc Cardboard frames, precut scissors Polaroid camera and film (see above) glue bottle/sticks Lesson As the children arrive, have a musical cassette playing very loudly. Speak in a soft voice and tell the children you’re glad they came today. Spend a few moments telling each child how special they are. Make sure the volume drowns out your voice. After a few minutes, turn off the music. Gather the children around and ask: Did you like what I said to each of you? Why did you have such a problem hearing me? Why is it important to listen carefully? Sometimes we have to listen very carefully to hear what’s being said, like when you’re getting instruction about schoolwork, or when your parents tell you what you can have for a snack. Tonight, we’re talking about listening to God. We want to be careful listeners and not let other things like loud music get in the way.

Our Bible story is about a young person, named Samuel. He had been sent to the temple to learn about being a priest. This was an honor, not a punishment.

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Let's see what good listeners you are. Each time I say the name "Samuel," you are to jump up and say, "Here I am!" and then lie back down again. To begin, direct children to lie down and pretend they're sleeping. Samuel (pause while children jump up and down) was a young person who loved God and did what God asked. Samuel (pause) lived at the church with Eli, the minister. One night while sleeping, Samuel (pause) heard a voice calling his name. He ran to Eli and said, "Here I am." Eli was very sleepy. He yawned and said, "I didn't call you. Go back to sleep." Then Samuel (pause) heard a voice calling his name again. He ran to Eli and said, "Here I am." Eli was still very sleepy. He yawned and said, "I didn't call you. Go back to sleep." For the third time, Samuel (pause) heard his name. He ran to Eli and said, "Here I am." This time Eli realized that God was trying to speak to Samuel (pause). Eli told him to say, "Speak, God, I am listening." One more time Samuel (pause) heard a voice calling his name and he said, "Speak, God, I am listening." And God told Samuel (pause) many important things. Samuel (pause) listened to the Lord that night and for the rest of his life. To help us remember about Samuel, a young person who listened and heard God’s voice, we’re going to each have our picture to put into a frame we’ll decorate. We too can listen to God. Have frame forms set out…”stuff” to decorate with, and work with shepherds to get photos of each child to them. Encourage them to decorate all the way into the photo, since the frames are bigger than the pictures will be. Closing (shepherds): Did you know that we can listen when we pray? We usually think of praying as talking to God. Right now, when we pray, let’s listen to God. I’ll begin, and then we’ll quietly listen with our hearts to see what God might be saying. Dear God, we’re so glad you love us and want to speak to us. Please teach us new ways to listen to you more carefully. Help us still our hearts and be quiet so we can hear you better. Silence (about a minute) In Jesus’ name, Amen. Invite the children to share what they thought and felt as they listened.

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Storyteller center . . . Samuel Purpose In this workshop, the children will take about listening, first through an exercise, then through the story of Samuel. Younger children will costume and re-tell the story. Older children may connect the story to God speaking today and role play various contemporary situations, good and bad, and discuss the differences. All the children will make a bracelet of purple beads, the color of priests and royalty in the Bible, as a way to remember the story of Samuel and Eli as well as God’s “ruling” presence in our lives today. Advance prep Make phones, and test. Look over script of drama and think about how you’ll act it out with younger children. Prepare contemporary scenario slips for older children. Supplies Plastic cup phones – enough sets for younger children to use – see below for instructions Box of toothpicks Bibles (oldest group) Biblical costumes, include belts and head bands Paper, pencil, clipboard Slips of paper with scenarios for older youth to act out. Lesson Have several sets of plastic cup phones prepared before class. To make one, you’ll need a pair of plastic cups or yogurt containers and a long piece of string. With a tack, make a small hole in the center of the cup bottoms. Tie and overhand knot at one end of the string and feed the other end through the hole in each cup. Then, knot the free end. Slide the cups to opposite ends of the string, so the knots rest inside the bottom of each cup. To use the phone, pair up participants. Hand one of the cups to each, and ask them to move apart until the string is taut. Now, one child can talk into a cup while a partner holds the open end of the cup up to an ear. How clearly did you receive the message? (The reason the conversation is clear is that sound travels even faster and farther through a solid or liquid than it does through air.) Just as you each received a message, God has a message for you. God called out to a young person in the Bible. Samuel was a young child, maybe 8 or 9 when this story happened. Let’s put on our costumes, and we’ll act out the story of Samuel. Dress up…Script attached. (Note: Our script was from BibleZone, published by Abingdon. Due to copyright, we can’t reproduce it here. That script essentially is a narrator(leader) telling the story of Samuel as found in 1 Samuel 3:1-18. The children physically move around the room, from a sleeping area to Eli’s room, etc. acting out the story. Using the text, it would not too difficult to prepare your own script, using modern language and adapting to your own classroom area.)

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When finished, collect costumes…discuss. Why do you think Samuel thought it was Eli calling? Who do you think God might use in your life to help you hear God calling? What are other ways we can hear God speaking to us? What do you think it might feel like to hear God?

Upper elementary option: Let’s see how good you are at giving and following directions: Listening exercise: Have students gather in pairs. Each pair sits back to back on the floor. They are each given 8-10 toothpicks. Have the person with a birthday is closest to New Year's Day begin by placing a toothpick on the floor. They have to tell the person behind them how to place their toothpick. So they would say something like "place your toothpick so that the points face your knees (if the know vertical/horizontal - those are good words also). This needs to be done with all the toothpicks (watch the participants to make sure they are not looking over the shoulders to see where to place). It's okay to get it different; we are just learning how difficult listening can be. Let’s find the story of Samuel in our Bibles. 1Samuel 3:1-18 How did God talk to Samuel? How might God talk to us today? How do we know what God wants us to do? We can listen for God’s voice. Sometimes we hear God as we read the Bible. Sometimes we hear it in church, or through adults in our lives… Have slips of paper ready with various scenarios. Partner and present the scene for the group. Do like Charades, but those in skit can talk. As they’re presented…good or bad actions. (Add others if you have ideas)

Volunteer to help with Special Olympics. Get your friend to help also. Skip church and go swimming. Go to the movie on Sunday night. Collect blankets for the homeless. Spread a rumor about a classmate Participate in a canned food drive Play with your friends in the park Spend your church offering money on candy Do extra chores for your neighbor who’s sick Laugh at a new kid

God called Samuel to be a servant. What are some things we can to be servants? Talk about these ideas, if time Closing With shepherd: Make bracelet to remember being called. Eli was a priest. Purple is the color of royalty. Who is our ruler? Whose example can we follow? Discuss what they can do.