Nehemiah led the people to rebuild the wall. Even when they faced opposition, they chose to focus on their task and not retaliate against their detractors. Often people have conflicts and look for ways to hurt others, both physically and in other ways. Nehemiah protected his people but did not seek ways to injure the other kings. This session will guide kids to think about how they can respond to others in right ways. 

Kids: God chose Samson before his birth. Examining Samson’s life, kids can see the different choices he made. Samson chose to treat people with revenge and anger. This session will lead kids to understand that God’s people should respond in ways that honor God.

Preschool: David remembered his friendship and promises to Jonathan; David was kind to Jonathan’s son. This session will lead kids to think of loving ways they could be kind to people around them.

Kids: David’s men had treated Nabal’s men with kindness. Later, Nabal refused to give food to David’s men. An angry David wanted to hurt Nabal, but Abigail intervened and prevented David’s rash actions. This session can lead kids to think about the different choices that each person made. We can talk about the consequences of the choices and help kids understand that how they choose to treat others will have consequences.

Preschool: David and Jonathan formed a strong friendship. Jonathan helped David, even when it upset his father, the king. This session will help kids think about how they could choose to be good friends to others, even in difficult times.

Kids: King Saul wanted to kill David. But David refused to harm Saul, God’s chosen leader. This session can lead kids to understand that people choose to treat others in ways that follow God or displease and dishonor God (sin). We can help kids know people are responsible for the choices they make.

Preschool: David played his harp for King Saul whenever Saul was disturbed. This helped Saul feel better. This session will lead kids to understand that they can do things to help others. They can use whatever abilities they have to help and show love.

Kids: Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you heard me. I know that you always hear me, but because of the crowd standing here I said this, so that they may believe you sent me.” This session can remind kids that God still hears our prayers today.  

Preschool: Jesus prayed to God in the garden. People today can pray to God, too. God hears people when they pray to Him. God wants people to talk to Him and ask Him for help. This session can help kids begin to understand that God always answers in ways that are best.

When the people returned to Judah, they began to worship God in the place where the temple had been. They began to rebuild the temple. As the new foundation for the temple was laid, the people praised and shouted to God. This session can help kids understand that God’s people should worship and praise Him. God hears the praise and worship of His people. We can lead kids to think about ways families worship God, both at church and at home or away from church.

Kids: Elijah had just had the “showdown” with the prophets of Baal. Even as strong a man of God as Elijah was, he became afraid when he heard that Jezebel wanted him dead. God heard Elijah’s cry out to Him. God kept Elijah safe, fed, and gave him comfort and assurance. This session can lead kids to understand that God hears all prayers. God will answer prayers according to His divine understanding (and may not answer as we ask or want.)

Preschoolers: Before Jesus fed the crowd with just a small amount of food, He prayed and thanked God. God responded, and all the people had food to eat. This session can guide kids to understand the importance of praying to God. God hears people pray.

David built the tabernacle so the people would have a more permanent place to worship God. David brought the ark of the covenant, the symbol of God’s presence, into the tabernacle. David and the people praised and thanked God. David prayed a prayer of thanksgiving. This session can help lead kids to understand that God wants people to thank Him, and God hears those prayers.

This session will focus on Jesus’ growth as part of God’s plan. In His visit to the temple, Jesus said He was about His Father’s business. From an early age, Jesus began to fulfill God’s plan of salvation.

Foreign astrologers recognized a significant birth with the appearance of a star. Prophecy came into play again as Herod’s advisors found the birthplace of the Savior in Scripture (Micah). The focus of this session is Herod’s threat, the flight to Egypt, and God’s protection of Jesus so He could grow and fulfill God’s plan.