Walk Through a Lesson - Kids Church Grades 1-4

    

	Kids Church for Grades 1-4 is an engaging worship experience where children are involved in relevant and uplifting messages designed just for them. A strength of Kids Church is its simplicity and how few adult volunteers it requires. Following complimentary themes to Kingdom Quest, it fits perfectly as a second hour of children’s ministry. One popular option allows for children to begin the service either in Kids Church or with their parents in adult worship. Children in the adult service are then dismissed midway through the service to join Kids Church already in progress.
	Processional Kids are involved in bringing forward the worship symbols and praying a prayer of invocation.
	Attention Grabber This creative illustration captures attention and helps the kids focus on worship or the theme of the day. For example, this lesson uses burning incense to illustrate how Jesus offered himself up to God when he gave his life for us. Likewise, we offer our lives to God when we worship him. As fragrance fills the room, so does the pleasing aroma of our worship to God.
	Worship Songs Choose your own songs according to your worship style and preference.
	Power of the Cross This section teaches kids they need to always turn to God and receive what Jesus has done for them on the cross. His power of forgiveness also gives power to change and have our lives filled by Christ. For example, this lesson’s theme is “God Heals Our Hurt on the Inside.” Children name some of the specific hurts they may have had and how they may hold on to them by nursing grudges or unforgiveness. Then cross-shaped Band-Aids are applied over a child’s heart. Note: See the band-aid over the large group presenter's heart in the photo. Obviously Band-Aids don’t help, but Jesus heals the hurts in our soul with the power of his forgiveness. Then we can forgive others. Worship Song You choose a song that fits as a song of confession or a song of declaring his forgiveness for us. Statement of Faith Some churches use this option to let their children speak a profession of faith or creed.
	Offering A special object lesson is used as the children bring their offerings forward. For example, in this lesson the incense burns near the offering plate to remind us that our gifts are a sacrifice like the Old Testament burnt offerings. When given with a thankful heart (from our souls) it is a pleasing aroma to God.
	Learning Game Kids enjoy getting up and moving around. This game does that as well as providing a simple learning point. During this time, more children from the adult service might join the group because they are released at mid-service. For example, this game is “Hoop Shoot” where opposing teams try to land their color of balls in the hula-hoop and knock out the other teams. Afterward an explanation is given so that the game illustrates the theme of the day. In this illustration, the hula-hoops represent our souls, and the balls in the hula-hoops represent God’s love. Sometimes our souls are “injured” when we intentionally sin against God or refuse to forgive others. This is illustrated by the balls that knock other balls out of the hoop. Often several options are given so you can choose a learning game that works for you.
	Bible Reading Kids can help read or act it out.
	Bible Event Presentation The message is presented creatively using one or more methods like object lessons, gospel illusions, dramatic characters, audience interaction, group art, or video. For example, this lesson uses vinegar to symbolize the bitterness or unforgiveness we might hold. It is poured into a cup with baking soda hidden in the bottom. It illustrates our souls overflowing with bitterness if we hang on to it. Jesus helps us empty it. As we poke a hole in the bottom of the cup the vineger and baking soda pour out, reminding us how Jesus took all of our bitterness on himself when he went to the cross.
	Witness and Tell Kids are invited to share stories of how God has worked in their lives, especially in areas relating to the theme of the day.
	Prayer Different suggestions are given so that more children are involved in the prayer time.