What’s Next - Week 3
Puzzles don't come with step-by-step instructions for solving them. That's what makes them so much fun. You have to try to figure out the next best step to take. When Jesus left Earth, his followers had to wonder the same thing — "What's next?" In this 4-week series about the Early Church, kids will see how Jesus' followers solved the puzzle of what to do next and the ways we can follow in their footsteps. As kids discover what to do next, they'll learn they can follow Jesus, pray for others, love like Jesus did, and share the good news.
BIG IDEA: We can love like Jesus does.
BIBLE: Peter Meets with Cornelius: Acts 10:1–8; 11:1–18; John 13:34–35
MEMORY VERSE
Elementary: "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)
Toddler Twist: God directs my steps. Ephesians 5:1-2
WATCH:
Preschool- teaching video
Elementary- teaching video
SONG: I'm trusting you and Fly
DISCIPLE:
For this activity, you'll need paper plates, cotton swabs, card stock, and washable paint in red, yellow, blue, and white. Give each family member a plate with a dab of each color of paint, like a palette, along with a cotton swab. Have them mix the colors together however they would like, then write or draw their responses on a piece of card stock. If you don't want to use paint, use crayons in different colors instead.
We might be used to sticking with our usual groups and staying away from others. This means we end up excluding people on purpose for no other reason than that they're just not like us.
Peter learned in today's Bible story—and we've also learned—that we should be looking for ways to extend God’s love to more than the people closest to us. Instead of sticking to our own little bubbles, we can "mix it up" and welcome others into God's family.
Speaking of which, let's mix up our paint colors and create something new.
Then, write or draw one way you are going to love someone like Jesus does this week. Finally, draw a heart around this with the new colors you made.
We can do something new when we reach out and love others the way Jesus does. We can love like Jesus does.
Pray: Dear God, thank you for always guiding us and showing us the best way. We know that you created everyone differently on purpose and love us all the same. Help us to love others like Jesus does, the way you never stop loving us! Amen.