Storytime, Week 4 (Jan. 28, 2024)
Jesus Comforts His Friends
Bible Passage: John 11:17-27
Big Idea: Jesus Is With Us In Our Sadness
Preschool-Kindergarten
Welcome — Activity Leader — 2 minutes
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class and introduce yourselves.
Warm-Up Game: Mummy Wrap — Activity Leader — 3 minutes
Divide the kids into two teams and choose one kid to be the mummy
Use toilet paper rolls to wrap them up as best they can
Intro & Bible Story— Bible Story Leader — 5 minutes
Today we’re going to be having another story time with Nana Alex. Let’s watch the video to find out what today’s story is all about…
Video Lesson — 5 minutes
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader — 5 minutes
Can anyone remember why Nana Alex was sad at the beginning of the video?
Who were the two sisters that Nana Alex mentioned from the Bible who were friends with Jesus? What was their brother’s name?
What happened to their brother that made everyone so sad?
What did Martha say to Jesus when he arrived at their home? And what did Jesus say and do to make her feel better?
Can you think of a time when you were really sad? Who do you go to when you’re feeling that way? Did you know that Jesus also cares about us when we are feeling sad?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader — 1 minute
“Dear God, thank you for the story we learned today about the time when Jesus’ friends Mary and Martha were very sad. Thank you that we know that Jesus cares for us and is close to us when we are sad, just like he was there to comfort Mary and Martha. Please help us to remember that whenever we’re going through tough feelings, we can always pray and talk to you about it, because you love to listen to us. And help us to be a good friend to others when they are going through hard times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Craft: Popsicle Stick Mummies — Activity Leader — 7 minutes
Using popsicle sticks and other materials provided, the kids can decorate their own mummy
If a child is not interested in the activity, allow them to move to free play.
Free Play — Both — 7 minutes
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver
Grades 1-3
Welcome —Both— 3 minutes
Have the children sit near the TV. Welcome them to class. Introduce yourselves .
Warm Up Activity: Mummy Wrap — Activity Leader — 3 minutes
Divide the kids into two teams and choose one kid to be the mummy
Use toilet paper rolls to wrap them up as best they can
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader —5 minutes
Today we’re going to be having another story time video, and we’ll be hearing about a time when the Bible says that Jesus actually cried. Did you guys know that Jesus cried? Well, let’s watch our video to find out more about that story…
Video Lesson — 5 minutes
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader — 5 minutes
Can anyone remember why Nana Alex was sad at the beginning of the video?
Who were the two sisters that Nana Alex mentioned from the Bible who were friends with Jesus? What was their brother’s name?
What happened to their brother that made everyone so sad?
What did Martha say to Jesus when he arrived at their home? And what did Jesus say and do to make her feel better?
Can you think of a time when you were really sad? Who do you go to when you’re feeling that way? Have you ever tried praying and talking to Jesus?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader — 1 minute
“Dear God, thank you for the story we learned today about how Jesus comforted Martha and Mary when they were going through a really difficult time. Thank you that we know you care and are close to us in hard times, when we are feeling sad or alone. Please help us to also be that friend who cares and is there to listen when we see someone struggling and going through something tough. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Craft: Popsicle Stick Mummies — Activity Leader — 10 mins
Using popsicle sticks and other materials provided, the kids can decorate their own mummy
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver
Grades 4-6
Welcome and Warm-Up — Activity Leader— 5 minutes
Welcome the kids to class, introduce yourselves.
Game: Dizzy Mummy Minute To Win It Challenge
In this challenge, using only their body, the contestant must unwind an entire roll of toilet paper by executing a series of 360 degree spins. If at any time the paper rips, the game is over. One helper loosely holds the roll of toilet paper, and the player isn't allowed to use their hands!
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader —5 minutes
Today we’re going to be having another story time video, and we’ll be hearing about a time when the Bible says that Jesus actually cried. Did you guys know that Jesus cried? Well, let’s watch our video to find out more about that story…
Video Lesson — 4 minutes
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader — 5 minutes
Can anyone remember why Nana Alex was sad at the beginning of the video?
Who were the two sisters that Nana Alex mentioned from the Bible who were friends with Jesus? What was their brother’s name?
What happened to their brother that made everyone so sad?
What did Martha say to Jesus when he arrived at their home? And what did Jesus say and do to make her feel better?
Can you think of a time when you were really sad or going through something difficult? Who do you go to when you’re feeling that way?
There’s a verse in the Psalms that says that God is close to the broken hearted and comforts those who are crushed in spirit. Is this something you’ve experienced?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader — 1 minute
“Dear God, thank you for the story we learned about today about how Jesus was there for his friends in their time of grief. Thank you that you are a God who cries with us, just as Jesus cried with Martha and Mary when their brother Lazarus passed away. Please help us to remember that we can turn to you no matter what situation we are faced with, and though we may or may not experience a miraculous solution to our problems the way Mary and Martha did, we know that you are always there to listen and comfort us and get us through hard times. And please help us to be that friend to others as well in their times of need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Craft: Popsicle Stick Mummies — Activity Leader — 10 minutes
Using popsicle sticks and other materials provided, the kids can decorate their own mummy
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver
