Dearly Loved: Nursery · Genesis 1:1–2:24 Greeting Before Class: Create a Welcome Center in your...

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God’s Good Creation – Genesis 1:1–2:24

GreetingBefore Class: Create a Welcome Center in your nursery space. Include books and soft toys for the children to explore. If possible, include books and soft toys related to the Bible story unit.

• Play music from the Dearly Loved Bible Story Unit: Creation as the children arrive.

• Make sure that you have at least one leader sitting with the children in the Welcome Center, and at least one leader greeting and helping children and their families as they arrive.

Transition to Bible Story Exploration • Invite the children to sit with you on the floor.

• Sing together “God is So Good” (Leader Guide—p. 2)

Listen and MoveBefore Class: Print and display the Bible Story Poster for Dearly Loved Bible Story

Unit: Creation.

• Show the children the Bible Story Poster. Read the words on the poster and point out the images.

• As the children show interest, talk about the colors of the images on the poster.

• Read the Bible story below and help the children do the movements with you.

SAY: God planned a beautiful world (Make a circle with arms overhead.)

and created it with care— (Place hands over heart.)

a glowing sun, a shining moon, (Make a circle with arms overhead.)

with light for all to share. (Open up arms. Sweep hands down to your sides.)

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DEARLY LOVED: Leader GuideUnit: God’s Good Creation • Session 1

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2019 Abingdon Press.

Dearly SESSION

6

God planned a beautiful world (Make a circle with arms overhead.)


the water with fish and the land with plants, (Place palms together. Wiggle hands, as if swimming.)

with fruit for all to share. (Pretend to eat an apple.)



animals of all shapes and sizes, (Hold hands in front of your body like paws.)

birds that fly in the air. (Flap arms.)


and wants us to give it care— (Place hands over heart.)

for God created each person (Point to each child and then to yourself.)

and gave us the world for all to share. (Turn palms upward.)

Play and CreateExploring Color (Math and Science)Before Class: Gather several toys in each of the following colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, and place them in a basket.

TIP: Small children like to explore with all five senses, including taste. Pay special attention to size and shape of the materials you are using, to ensure they are not choking hazards.

• Mix together the collection of toys into one large group. Lay out construction paper, one each of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.

• Invite the children to help you sort each toy onto the paper it matches.

SAY: God made the world! Our world has many beautiful colors! What color is your favorite?

God Made a Colorful World (Art)Before Class: Make a copy of “World Reproducible” (Leader Guide—p. 9) onto white cardstock for each Gfor each child. Fill two spray bottles with water, adding a



1 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2019 Abingdon Press.

DEARLY LOVED: Partnering with ParentsUnit: God’s Good Creation • Session 1

Your Dearly Loved 3-month-old is growing by leaps and bounds.He or she is now beginning to sleep for longer stretches of time. You may find yourself with more time to accomplish tasks, and hopefully you are allowing yourself time to rest.

Your baby is growing stronger every day! 3-month-old babies are starting to hold up their heads with almost no wobble. Their upper and lower body muscles are getting stronger, and tummy time is beginning to be a bit more fun. Try lying down on your stomach next to your baby. Place toys or rattles on the floor and move them around as you talk to him or her. Three-month-old babies are learning how begin tracking objects with their eyes. Soon your baby’s neck will be strong enough to track objects by turning their head.

You will likely start having more and more conversations with your baby as he or she grows in their ability to express themselves. Your baby is learning to interact with you and with the world in smiles, gestures, and sounds. These conversation times are fully of growth and learning for your baby, and can be a ton of fun!

Experiencing Faith Together Psalm 139:14a (NIV) I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

God Made YouAfter a bath, give your baby a massage with baby lotion. As you massage your baby, name each body part. Remind him or her that God made them and God loves them. For example, massage your child’s legs one at a time and say, “These are your legs that God made. God loves you, and I do too.” Then massage your child’s belly and say, “This is your belly that God made. God loves you, and I do too.”

Rock-a-ByeHold your baby in your arms, and rock them back and forth. Experiment with rocking in various positions. Rocking, and other rhythmic movements through space helps develop your baby’s vestibular system which is responsible for balance. In addition to the amazing developmental benefits, rocking helps give your baby a connection and closeness with you. Rocking helps to develop your baby’s trust in you, in themselves, in the world around them, and in turn their trust in God.

My Whole Body Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,Knees and toes.Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,Knees and toes.My whole body can praise the Lord!Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,Knees and toes.

Eyes, ears, mouth, and nose,Mouth and nose.Eyes, ears, mouth, and nose,Mouth and nose.My whole body can praise the Lord!Eyes, ears, mouth, and nose,Mouth and nose.

Your Dearly

3-Month-Old

Dearly

Infant and Toddler Ministry

God made

God’s Good Creation Genesis 1:1–2:24

plants and animals.

you and me!

God’s creation isvery good!

God made

Dearly Loved:Infant and Toddler Ministry

Partnering with ParentsPartnering with Parents letters make it easy to reach the families of the infants and toddlers in your ministry with messages of faith and support that feel customized just for them. Letters are provided in PDF format that can be easily emailed or printed and mailed. This yearly resource is only $24.99!

You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I fi nd happiness. (Mark 1:11) Faith communities love to welcome new babies! We want babies and toddlers—and their families—to know they are safe, secure, and loved at church.

Interior Sample

PosterParent Letter

New for Infants

and Toddlers!

Bible Story UnitsInvite infants and toddlers to hear and explore a Bible story through listening, moving, playing, and creating. Each of the 12 Bible Story Unit downloads contains fi ve Leader Guide sessions, a printable poster with beautiful photographs, and 2-3 songs to share in the classroom and with parents.

www.abingdonpress.com

Nursery

L E ADER GU I DEAGES6 WEEKS–35 MONTHS

SUMMER 2020

CONTENTS

Deep Blue Nursery Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2020 Abingdon Press. Leader Guide Summer 2020 – 1 – deepbluekids.com

2 A Deep Blue Nursery 3 Babies and Toddlers 4 Supplies

UNIT 1: Believers Share 5 Setup: Unit 1 7 Session 1 June 7 9 Session 2 June 14 11 Session 3 June 21 14 Session 4 June 28

UNIT 2: The Lord’s Prayer 16 Setup: Unit 2 19 Session 5 July 5 22 Session 6 July 12 24 Session 7 July 19 26 Session 8 July 26

UNIT 3: The Forgiving Father 28 Setup: Unit 3 31 Session 9 Aug. 2 33 Session 10 Aug. 9 35 Session 11 Aug. 16 37 Session 12 Aug. 23 39 Session 13 Aug. 30

The dates listed above are suggestions. Please

adjust this schedule to fit your church’s needs.

Cover: Design by Matthew Allison. Illustration by

Charles Long (based on Deep Blue characters

created by Tim Moen, character design; Jesse

Griffin, 3D artist; Julio Medina, 3D artist; Eric M.

Mikula, facial rigging; and Christopher Slavik,

layout artist). Art Credits: pp. 18, 21, 30 by

Shutterstock.

Editable Leader Guides

Do you find that you need to modify sessions to fit your church’s unique needs? Now you can! Download your Leader Guide as an editable Microsoft Word document and you will have the ability to edit each session to be more specific for your class.

User Feedback We want to hear from you!

Thank you for choosing to use Deep Blue. You can help us continue to provide resources that are relevant, engaging, and helpful. We highly value the comments and observations of our children’s ministry partners. Please send us your feedback by completing the brief survey on our website:

www.deepbluekids.com/surveys

Check out deepbluekids.com and follow us on social media (@deepbluekids) to connect with other leaders, download additional content, and stay up to date on all the Deep Blue news.

A DEEP BLUE NURSERY What Your Kids Are Like and What They Need


hile caring for infants and toddlers, each moment is a teaching moment.

Little ones are learning and growing with every interaction. To provide the best nursery experience for everyone, you’ll want to consider each of the following things.

Welcome each child and her or his parent or guardian as they arrive. Their first impression is you! Be sure you interact with the children as they are handed over to you. Many children will transition into the nursery easily. Others, typically between the ages of 6 to 8 months old, may begin to experience some separation anxiety. Have toys handy to distract the children. Help parents or guardians say goodbye. If a child is having difficulty with separation, invite his or her parent to stay. Remind the parent that their child will be well cared for and that they will be notified if their child remains inconsolable.

It is important for the infant room or nursery to be a warm and nurturing environment, founded on mutual trust and respect. Babies rely on their caregivers to satisfy their needs. This becomes the basis for trust. As little ones learn that church is a trustworthy place, this then becomes a stepping stone in their journey to trusting God. Likewise, as children learn that while in church they are accepted and loved, they will become ready to accept God’s unconditional love.

Make the most of your time with the little ones in your care. It’s important to be friendly with other leaders and volunteers in the nursery. Remember, a warm environment is important. However, time focused on “catching up” with friends means less time focused on the children in the nursery. This curriculum will help provide you with the tools and suggestions you need to speak blessing and life into each and every child. The time you share serving babies and toddlers has eternal significance.

It’s critical to baby-proof the nursery and to have basic security procedures in place. Watch babies and toddlers closely. Never leave the nursery unsupervised, even for one minute. Offer the children you serve the same care you would provide if they were your own children. Research online ways to baby-proof the room, and be sure to check out available resources (such as Safe Sanctuaries) that help guide you in providing training for all people who work and volunteer in the nursery.

Finally, understand that children grow in their faith just by being with you. Little ones learn about the Bible and faith traditions as they hear your voice share God’s truths. Let blessings and praises fill the nursery, and may you let God speak through you.

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Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

BABIES AND TODDLERS Resources


Core Resources Bible Story Picture Cards Each child should have one Bible Story Picture Card to take home each week. This resource will help the parent or guardian read the monthly Bible story to their child in an interesting, fun way each week. There also will be a “Tiny Prayer” on the card and one activity to do with their child to help the child remember the Bible story.

Class Kit This class resource includes the Attendance Chart, Bible verse posters, song posters, games, and storytelling figures for the quarter. Each item is designed to enhance the class experience with the Bible story.

Lesson-Enhancing Resources

Deep Blue Toddler Bible Storybook The Deep Blue Toddler Bible Storybook tells nineteen Bible stories for little ones that will introduce them to God and Jesus. From these stories, young children will learn of the love God has for them and how they can begin to follow Jesus.

deepbluekids.com Find the American Sign Language (ASL) for the quarterly Bible verses, teacher helps, parent helps, training videos, extra coloring sheets, and more—all free at our website!

Resources are available in Braille on request. Contact: Braille Ministry c/o Donna Veigel 10810 N. 91st Avenue #96 Peoria, AZ 85345 (623) 979-7552

NOTE: Websites are constantly changing. Although the websites recommended in this resource were checked at the time this unit was

developed, we recommend that you double-check all sites to verify that they are still live and that they are still suitable for children

before doing the activity.

SUPPLIES


The Basics Here are some basic supplies you will need to have available almost every Sunday.

baby dolls and baby care items

basket

Bible storybooks

blocks

box of facial tissues

cardstock

CD of children’s music

CD player

chenille stems (variety of colors)

computer & printer

construction paper

copy paper (colored)

cotton balls

cotton swabs

crayons

glue, glue sticks

hand-washing supplies

index cards

lip balm stick (unused)

magazines (old)

markers (watercolor, permanent, and washable)

mural paper

napkins

paint (washable, watercolor)

paintbrushes

paper bags (lunch-sized)

paper bowls

paper cups

paper plates (variety of sizes and weights)

paper punch

paper towels

pencils

plastic containers (for paint and/or water)

plastic tablecloth

playdough

playdough tools and cookie cutters

posterboard

resealable plastic bags

ribbon (variety of widths)

ruler

scissors (adult and safety)

smocks or large T-shirts

stapler, staples

stickers

stuffed animals

tape (clear, masking)

tissue paper (colored)

toys

trays (for art projects)

washable ink stamp pads and ink stamps

wet wipes

wooden craft sticks

yarn

Beyond the Basics Sometimes an activity might use a supply that is not on the basic supply list. When that happens, the supply will be listed at the beginning of the activity in “Before class.”

Believers Share (Acts 4:32-37) The community of believers was one in heart and mind. None of them would say, “This is mine!” about any of their possessions, but held everything in common. (Acts 4:32)


SETUP: UNIT 1 Before You Teach

he young children in your class are learning about the early church and the ways these believers lived together in community. The community of people described in Acts shared

everything: food, shelter, and money. No one lacked what she or he needed. The people took care of one another. The little bitties in your nursery will be told many times this month that believers share, even though it is age appropriate for them to be exerting their independence by not sharing. This story will serve as a reminder to us all to share what we have been given.

Set up the suggested activity centers to be used the whole month, or set up one each week. These centers will give children time to explore and wonder through play. In the safety of your nursery, create spaces of exploration and wondering for your class to encounter God. It may look like too much fun to be learning, but these activities will help your children practice the skills needed to recognize God in their midst as they continue to grow.

Art Activity Center: Friendship Necklaces Before class: Gather plastic straws (various colors), yarn, masking tape, ruler, and scissors (for adult use only). Cut straws into one-inch pieces. Cut yarn into 30-inch lengths.

• Tape the end of a piece of yarn to the table in front of the child.

• Invite the child to string the pieces of straws onto the yarn to create a necklace to share with a friend.

• When the child has completed the necklace, tie the ends together in a knot.

SAY: People who believe in Jesus share. We can share our necklaces with our friends.

Pretend Play Activity Center: Cooking Before class: Gather pretend food, play cooking implements, play items to use for setting a table, and a play kitchen (optional).

• Invite the children to pretend to cook a meal for their classmates.

• Encourage the children to set the table and to share the meal with everyone.

SAY: People who believe in Jesus share. One thing believers share is food.

ASK: Do you have a favorite food you like to share?

SAY: We can share food with our family and friends.

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Believers Share (Acts 4:32-37) The community of believers was one in heart and mind. None of them would say, “This is mine!” about any of their possessions, but held everything in common. (Acts 4:32)


Sensory Activity Center: Sharing Playdough Tools Before class: Gather playdough and playdough tools, such as cookie cutters and rolling pins. Do not get enough tools for each child. This activity is meant to give children an opportunity to practice waiting for their turn.

• Encourage the children to play with the playdough.

• Invite the children to take turns sharing the playdough tools.

SAY: It is hard to share sometimes! It means we sometimes have to wait for our friends to finish using what they have. People who believe in Jesus are asked to share everything we have with others. We will keep practicing how to share.

Game Activity Center: Matching Cards Before class: Cut out the “Unit 1 Matching Cards” (Class Kit—p. 5).

• Mix up the cards, and place them face-down on the table in a grid pattern.

• Encourage the children to play together in a group.

• Invite the children to take turns turning over two cards at a time to try to create a match.

• If they find a match, they may keep the two cards. If the cards do not match, help them turn the cards face-down.

SAY: Taking turns while we play can be hard! It’s good to keep practicing how to wait and to take turns. It helps us share.

ASK: What is your favorite game to play?

SAY: People who believe in Jesus are asked to share everything we have with others. We will keep practicing how to share.

1. Believers Share (Acts 4:32-37) The community of believers was one in heart and mind. None of them would say, “This is mine!” about any of their possessions, but held everything in common. (Acts 4:32)


SING & MOVE Greeting Before class: Display at eye level the “Attendance Chart” (Class Kit—pp. 12-13).

• Play your favorite children’s music as you welcome each child.

• Help each child put a check mark or a sticker on the Attendance Chart.

• Invite the children to play in this month’s centers (see Leader Guide—pp. 5-6).

Transition to Explore Before class: Display the “Unit 1 Song Poster” (Class Kit—p. 21) where you can see it easily.

• Invite the children to sit in a circle with you.

• Sing together two times “Christians Shared” (below) to the tune of “Hot Cross Buns,” or sing it using the song poster.

SING: Christians shared, Christians shared; met together, prayed together, and they shared.

EXPLORE Hear the Bible Story • Invite the children to listen while you read this Bible story.

SAY: People who believed in Jesus were called “Christians.” They shared everything together. They took care of one another, lived close to one another, and worshipped God with one another.

SAY: No one said, “That’s mine!” and took something away from a friend.

SAY: No one said, “I won’t help you!” when someone was in need.

SAY: The Christians shared food. They shared money. They shared houses. The Christians shared everything!

SAY: People who believe in Jesus are asked to share everything they have with others.



CREATE Toddler Trail Mix to Share Before class: Purchase O-shaped cereal, mini cheese crackers, raisins, and marshmallows. Gather a mixing bowl, a mixing spoon, and cups.

TIP: Check the Child Information Cards for food allergies before purchasing the trail mix supplies.

• Give each child a cup containing one of the ingredients. Do not mix them yet.

• Ask each child if she or he would like to share her or his ingredient with the whole class by pouring that ingredient into the mixing bowl. (The goal is to get the children to agree to share without forcing them.)

• Once each child has contributed, mix the ingredients together. Give each child a cup of the toddler trail mix to eat.

PLAY Sharing Pass Before class: Gather a toy that can be passed around the circle.

• Invite the children to sit in a circle. Encourage them to pass the toy around the circle while you sing this month’s song (see p. 7). Continue playing until everyone has gotten the wiggles out.

BLESS Blessings Before class: Gather a lip balm stick.

• Gather the children in a circle. Invite each child, one at a time, to hold out a hand. Use the lip balm to draw a cross on the child’s hand.

SAY: (Child’s name), God loves you. God blesses you. God is always with you. Amen.

PRAY: Dear God, help us share everything we have. Amen.

At Home with God Before class: Display the “Unit 1 Bible Verse and Prayer Poster” (Class Kit—p. 4) where you can see it easily. Remove the Session 1 Bible Story Picture Card and parent article for each child.

• Show the children the Bible verse poster.

• Read the verse to the children.

• Invite the children to repeat the verse, one word at a time.

• Send home with each child Session 1 of the Bible Story Picture Cards and the parent article.



CREATE Collaborative Painting Before class: Gather a large piece of butcher paper, washable paint, paintbrushes, cups of water (to rinse brushes), smocks or large T-shirts, and tape.

• Put a smock or large T-shirt on each child. Invite the children to work together to paint the paper. They may paint whatever they’d like, but they have to share the paint and work together.

• Set the painting aside to dry. Once it’s dry, hang it up in the classroom.

PLAY Movement Poem • Recite this rhyme, and encourage the children to copy your motions. SAY: I want to show God that I love God so. (Put your hands on your heart.) I even want other people to know. (Point away from yourself.) So, I will be helpful. I will be nice. (Point to yourself.) I might even hug my family twice. (Make a funny face.) I have some toys I know I can share. (Nod your head.) I can show others that I care. (Put your hands on your heart.) God will be happy when I try to do this. (Point to the smile on your face.) It’s like giving God a hug and a kiss. (Hug yourself, then blow a kiss.)




PRAY: Thank you, God, for friends who share with me. Amen.

At Home with God Before class: Display the “Unit 1 Bible Verse and Prayer Poster” (Class Kit—p. 4) where you can see it easily. Remove the Session 2 Bible Story Picture Card for each child.

• Show the children the Bible verse poster. Read the verse to the children.


• Send home with each child Session 2 of the Bible Story Picture Cards.

















CREATE “I Can Share” Handprint Painting Before class: Make a copy of the “I Can Share Reproducible” (Leader Guide—p. 13) for each child. Gather washable paint, paper plates, smocks or large T-shirts, and baby wipes.

• Put a smock or large T-shirt on each child.



• Pour washable paint onto a paper plate.

• Invite the children to come to you, one at a time, to make a handprint painting.

• Help the child get paint on one hand, then stamp the child’s handprint between the words on an “I Can Share Reproducible.”

• Wipe the paint off the child’s hand with a baby wipe. Then invite the next child to come to you.

• Continue doing this until everyone has made a painting.

PLAY Do You Know? Before class: Cut a heart from construction paper.

• Encourage the children to stand in a circle.

• Invite the children to pass the heart around the circle while you sing this song to tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”

SAY: Do you know, do you know, do you know (clap, clap) that God loves you so, loves you so? (clap, clap) When you are being kind, God’s love can really shine, and God’s love can grow and grow and grow. (clap, clap)


• Gather the children in a circle.

• Invite each child, one at a time, to hold out a hand. Use the lip balm to draw a cross on the child’s hand.


PRAY: Dear God, help us share with our family. Amen.







I Can Share Reproducible



CREATE Block Play Before class: Gather building blocks for the children to share.

• Encourage the children to work together to build a tall building with the blocks.

• Help the children share and work together.

• Continue having them build until you are ready to move to the next activity.

PLAY Sharing Poster Game Before class: Gather “Share the Toy with a Friend” (Class Kit—p. 8), and cut out the rattles and the baby. Tape the baby to the wall where the children can reach it. Add a loop of tape to the back of each rattle.

• Invite the children to take turns walking up to the baby and “sharing” a rattle with the baby by taping it somewhere on the baby poster.

• Remove the rattles and play again.


• Gather the children in a circle.

• Invite each child, one at a time, to hold out a hand. Use the lip balm to draw a cross on the child’s hand.


PRAY: Dear God, help us share with everyone we meet. Amen.






The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-15) Pray like this: Our Father who is in heaven, uphold the holiness of your name. (Matthew 6:9)



he young children in your class are learning about praying (the act of having a conversation with God) and about the prayer Jesus taught his disciples (what a lot of

Christians call the Lord’s Prayer). The little bitties in your nursery will be told many times this month that we can talk to God anywhere and at any time. They will have opportunities to try out different ways of praying and will hear the Lord’s Prayer each week. When they hear this prayer in worship, they will connect it to the experience they have in your Sunday school class.


Art Activity Center: Coloring Sheet Prayers Before class: Copy “Coloring Sheet Prayers Reproducible” (Leader Guide—p. 18) for each child. Gather crayons.

• Encourage the children to color the picture of Jesus praying.

SAY: There are lots of ways to talk to God through prayer. One way to pray is through coloring. When we color, we can slow down and concentrate on the picture and our breath.

ASK: What is your favorite way to talk to God?

SAY: We can talk to God by folding our hands and closing our eyes, by saying out loud what we want God to hear, by thinking about breathing in God’s love, by moving our bodies, or by reading Bible stories. We can pray to God anywhere and at any time!

Pretend Play Activity Center: Teaching Baby Dolls to Pray Before class: Gather baby dolls.

• Invite the children to pretend to show the baby dolls how to pray.

• Encourage the children to bring the dolls’ hands together and say a prayer to God.

SAY: Jesus taught his friends a special prayer that we call the Lord’s Prayer. We also can teach others how to pray. We can pray to God anywhere and at any time!

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Sensory Activity Center: Use a Prayer Labyrinth Before class: Gather the “Prayer Labyrinth” (Class Kit—p. 17), and tape it to a table.

• Invite the children to try out the prayer labyrinth one at a time.

• Help each child move his or her index finger slowly through the labyrinth.

• While a child traces the path to the center, encourage her or him to breathe. When the child gets to the center of the labyrinth, help the child SAY: Dear God, thank for always listening to my prayers. Amen.

• Then invite the child to follow the path back out of the labyrinth.

SAY: God always listens to our prayers. A prayer labyrinth can help us focus as we pray. There are so many ways to talk to God. We can pray to God anywhere and at any time!

Game Activity Center: Prayer Die Before class: Cut out the “Prayer Die” (Class Kit—p. 16). Assemble the die by folding the box and flaps on the dotted lines and gluing the flaps in place. Then set the die aside to dry.

• Encourage the children to play together in a group.

• Invite the children to take turns rolling the die.

• Help the children say a prayer based on what picture is on top after the die is rolled. These prayers do not need to be eloquent; this activity is meant to explore the different things we can pray about.

SAY: We can pray to God anywhere, at any time, and about anything! There are lots of ways to talk to God through prayer.

ASK: What is your favorite way to talk to God?

SAY: We can talk to God by folding our hands and closing our eyes, by saying out loud what we want God to hear, by thinking about breathing in God’s love, by moving our bodies, or by reading Bible stories. We can pray to God anywhere and at any time!



Coloring Sheet Prayers Reproducible

5. The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-15) Pray like this: Our Father who is in heaven, uphold the holiness of your name. (Matthew 6:9)








• Sing together “This Is the Way” (below), or sing it using the song poster. SING: This is the way we fold our hands, fold our hands, fold our hands. This is the way we fold our hands to pray to God.


SAY: Jesus’ friends followed Jesus up a mountain. While they were together, Jesus taught them about how to live well and how to worship God. Jesus also taught them about prayer.

SAY: Jesus said, “When you pray to God, you don’t need special words. God knows what you need. You can pray like this: “Dear God, Help us do what you want us to do. Give us the food we need today. Forgive us when we make mistakes. Help us forgive others when they make mistakes. Keep us from doing bad things. Amen.”

SAY: We say a special prayer called the Lord’s Prayer together as a church. Can you show me your praying hands and say it with me?

SAY: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.



CREATE Prayer Beads Before class: Gather chenille stems and large beads (3 per child).

TIP: This is a great activity for developing fine-motor skills, but little ones need to be watched while handling the beads.

• Give each child a chenille stem. Invite the children to string three large beads onto their chenille stem.

• Help each child twist the ends of the chenille stem together to create a loop.

• Show the children how to move the beads around the loop. Encourage them to name one thing they are thankful for as they move each bead.

SAY: Prayer beads have been used for thousands of years to help people pray. We can pray to God in so many ways, and God always listens. We can pray to God anywhere and at any time!

PLAY Movement Prayer Before class: Copy the “Movement Lord’s Prayer Reproducible” (Leader Guide—p. 21) for each child to take home.

• Gather the children in a circle. Invite them to say the prayer and do the movements with you.




PRAY: Dear God, thank you for always listening to our prayers. Amen.







Movement Lord’s Prayer Reproducible Our Father, (Make the ASL sign for “father” by spreading the fingers of your right hand and touching your thumb to your forehead.)

who art in heaven, (Point to the sky.)

hallowed be thy name. (Extend your arms out to the sides.)

Thy kingdom come, (Wave your arm toward yourself.)

thy will be done on earth (Point to the ground.)

as it is in heaven. (Point to the sky.)

Give us this day (Extend both arms in front of you.)

our daily bread. (Pretend to break bread with your hands.)

And forgive us (Make the ASL sign for “love” by crossing your fists at the wrists and pressing them to your heart.)

our trespasses, (Shake your head no.)

as we forgive those (Make the ASL sign for “love” by crossing your fists at the wrists and pressing them to your heart.)

who trespass (Shake your head no.)

against us. (Point to yourself.)

And lead us (March in place.)

not into temptation, (Shake your head no.)

but deliver us from evil. (Open your arms wide.)

For thine is the kingdom, (Make the shape of a crown with your hands, and place them over your head.)

and the power, (Flex your arms.)

and the glory, (Extend your arms overhead.)

forever. Amen. (Bring your arms down, and put your hands together in a prayer position.)



CREATE Prayer Rocks Before class: Gather large river rocks (one per child) and stickers (especially crosses and hearts).

• Give each child a rock.

• Invite each child to decorate a rock by using stickers.

SAY: We can pray to God in so many ways, and God always listens. We can pray to God anywhere and at any time!

PLAY Bubble Prayers Before class: Gather bubble solution and bubble wands.

SAY: When we breathe, we are connected to God. We can pray through our breath. We can blow bubbles to help us pray.

• Invite the children to blow bubble prayers with you.












CREATE Praying Hands Before class: Copy the “Movement Lord’s Prayer Reproducible” (Leader Guide—p. 21) for each child. Gather crayons.

• Give each child a copy of the reproducible.

• Invite each child to color the praying hands and to decorate the page.

SAY: We can pray to God in so many ways. We have prayed through coloring, rolling a die, moving, breathing, singing, and using things such as beads, rocks, and bubbles.

PLAY Pass the Ball Joys and Concerns Before class: Gather a soft ball that can be passed around the circle.

• Invite the children to sit in a circle with you. Pass the ball to the child on your right and ASK: Are you happy or sad today? (Wait for an answer.) What made you (emotion child said)?

• Once the child has named a joy (happy) or concern (sad), pass the ball to the next child.

SAY: We can pray for our friends when they are happy and when they are sad. God always listens to our prayers.











CREATE Praying Hand Pretzels Before class: Purchase mini twist pretzels. Gather plates.

TIP: Check the Child Information Cards for food allergies before purchasing pretzels.

• Give each child a plate. Place a handful of pretzels on each child’s plate.

SAY: Pretzels were made to look like praying hands. Before we enjoy our snack, let’s say a special mealtime prayer.

• Invite the children to join you in saying the prayer below before eating.

PLAY Meal Prayer • Invite the children to stand and do the movements with you.

SAY: Thank you, God, for our food. (Make the ASL sign for “thank you” by putting your right hand on your chin and moving your hand away from you and down, as if toward a person.) Help it make us strong. (Flex your arms.) Help it give us energy to share your love. (Make the ASL sign for “love” by crossing your fists at the wrists and pressing them to your heart.) Amen. (Bring your arms down, and put your hands together in a prayer position.)









The Forgiving Father (Luke 15:11-32) Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one! (Psalm 133:1)



he young children in your class are learning about God’s inclusive love—no one is excluded, and God’s love is always joyously and freely given to everyone. The little bitties

in your nursery will be told many times this month that everyone belongs in God’s family. Even when we mess up, God forgives us and holds us close.


Art Activity Center: Paper Chain Family Before class: Copy “Paper Chain Family Reproducible” (Leader Guide—p. 30) for each child. Gather crayons.

• Encourage each child to decorate the three figures to be the father, the older son, and the younger son. These figures don’t need to look any specific way; let the children be creative.

SAY: In our Bible story, there is a family with a father, an older son, and a younger son.

ASK: Who is in your family?

SAY: We also are part of God’s family. Everyone belongs in God’s family. God loves us all so much.

Pretend Play Activity Center: House Before class: Gather baby dolls, baby bottles, Kitchen Center items, and dress-up clothes.

• Invite the children to pretend to play house.

• Encourage the children to pretend to be different family members—mom, dad, sister, brother, grandmother, grandfather, and so forth.

SAY: In our Bible story, there is a family with a father, an older son, and a younger son. They also are part of God’s family. You are in God’s family.

T



Sensory Activity Center: Toddler Puzzles Before class: Gather toddler-appropriate puzzles. Put them together on a table so that the children can take them apart.

• Invite the children to take a puzzle apart and to put it back together.

• Help any child who may need help.

SAY: Puzzles need all of their pieces to be whole. Families are like that too.


SAY: In God’s family, we all have a special place. God loves everyone and wants everyone to be part of God’s family.

Special Activity Center: Tell the Story Before class: Cut out the “Unit 3 Storytelling Figures” (Class Kit—p. 9). Use tape to attach each figure to a block so that the figures stand.

• Encourage the children to play with the storytelling figures.

• Invite the older children to use the figures to tell you what they remember from the story.

SAY: In our Bible story, there is a family with a father, an older son, and a younger son.


SAY: We also are part of God’s family. Everyone belongs in God’s family. God loves us all so much.



Paper Chain Family Reproducible

9. The Forgiving Father (Luke 15:11-32) Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one! (Psalm 133:1)








• Sing together three times “Jesus Taught” (below) to the tune of “London Bridge,” or use the song poster.

SING: Jesus taught about God’s love. Turn around; shout, “Hooray!” Jesus taught about God’s love. We love Jesus.


SAY: Jesus told a story: A father had two sons—an older son and a younger son. The younger son wanted some of his father’s money. The father gave it to him, even though it made him sad.

SAY: The younger son went far away. He spent the money on things he didn’t need and had to get a job feeding pigs. He was so hungry that he wanted to eat what he was feeding the pigs.

SAY: The younger son remembered how kind his father was. The younger son wanted to go home and tell his father he was sorry.

SAY: When the father saw his younger son walking up to the house, he ran out to hug him. The father was happy his younger son had come home, so he threw a big party for him.

SAY: The older son had been working when the younger son came home. The older son was mad and wouldn’t go to the party. The father went outside to beg his older son to come to the party. The older son said he was sad because he had stayed with his father and had done everything his father wanted, but he never got a party.

SAY: The father said, “Son, everything I have is yours. But we have to celebrate because our whole family is back together.”



CREATE Welcome Poster Before class: In the center of a large sheet of butcher paper, write in large letters “Welcome to the Nursery!” Leave plenty of room around the words for each child to draw a picture. Gather crayons and stickers (optional).

• Set the poster in the middle of a table.

• Invite each child to draw on the poster a picture to welcome everyone to the classroom.

• Hang the poster up outside the door.

SAY: Everyone is welcome in our classroom. Everyone is welcome to be part of God’s family.

PLAY Celebration Dancing Before class: Gather a favorite children’s music CD and a CD player.

SAY: The father in our story threw a party to celebrate his younger son’s return home. We can celebrate too! Let’s dance to music while we celebrate being part of God’s family.

• Play music and invite the children to dance their wiggles out.




PRAY: Dear God, thank you for families that love us no matter what. Amen.








CREATE I Belong Portrait Before class: Gather crayons and paper for the children and a marker that you will use.

• Give each child a sheet of paper. Write “(Child’s name) belongs!” across the top of each one.

• Invite each child to draw a picture of him or herself on the paper.

• Hang the portraits together in the classroom.

SAY: Everyone belongs in our classroom. Everyone belongs in God’s family.

PLAY Who’s Missing? SAY: The father saw that his older son was missing from the party, so he went outside to find him. The father invited his older son to come inside to celebrate that their family was all together again.

SAY: We’re going to play a game to find who is missing from our group.

• Invite the children to close their eyes. Choose one child to hide in the classroom.

• Encourage the other children to open their eyes and find who is missing (hiding).

• Continue to play until everyone has had a chance to hide.




PRAY: Dear God, help us make good choices. Amen.








CREATE Playdough Houses Before class: Gather playdough and playdough tools.

• Invite each child to make a house out of playdough.

• Encourage the children to tell the class who lives in their house.

SAY: The younger son left his house and went to a place far away. But he came back home to his family. His family was so happy to have him back.

PLAY Work Together Relay Before class: Gather stuffed animals (one for every two children).

• Divide the children into pairs. Give each pair a stuffed animal to hold between them.

• Line each pair up on one side of the room. When you say “Go,” invite the pairs to walk together from one side of the room to the other while holding the stuffed animal between them.

• Continue playing until everyone has gotten the wiggles out.

SAY: Families have to work together. In God’s family, we work together to share God’s love.




PRAY: Dear God, thank you for loving us no matter what. Amen.








CREATE Welcome Chalk Drawing Before class: Gather sidewalk chalk. Use the chalk to write “WELCOME” in large bubble letters on the sidewalk by the main entrance of your church.

• Invite the children to color the letters you have drawn.

SAY: The father welcomed his younger son back home with a hug. The father was so happy to have his family all together.

SAY: We can welcome people to our church family. It makes us happy to have everyone here. It makes God happy too!

PLAY Hug Tag TIP: If you have children that don’t like hugs, play this game with high-fives instead of hugs.

SAY: The father in our story ran out to his younger son and gave him a big hug when he returned home. We can welcome one another with happy hugs too!

• Invite the children to walk around the room and give one another hugs.




PRAY: Dear God, help us include everyone in your family. Amen.








CREATE Block Play Before class: Gather toddler-friendly blocks and family figures.

• Invite the children to build a house out of blocks.

• Encourage them to play house with the family figures inside of their block houses.

SAY: The father welcomed his younger son back home with a hug. The father was so happy to have his family all together.

PLAY Celebration Musical Chairs Before class: Gather a favorite children’s CD, a CD player, and one chair for each child playing the game.

SAY: The father in our story threw a party to celebrate his younger son’s return home. We can celebrate too! Let’s play musical chairs while we celebrate being part of God’s family.

• Set the chairs up in a circle.

• Play music and invite the children to go around the chairs.

• When the music stops, encourage each child to find a chair. Do not remove a chair, just keep playing until everyone has gotten their wiggles out.




PRAY: Dear God, help us include everyone in your family. Amen.






Fall 2019 – Summer 2020



Fall 2019Sessions 1–5: God Made the WorldBible Story: Genesis 1:1–2:4

Sessions 6–9: The Baby in the BasketBible Story: Exodus 2:1-10

Sessions 10–13:Ruth and NaomiBible Story: Ruth 1–4

Winter 2019–20Sessions 1–5: Jesus Is Born & Joyous NewsBible Story: Luke 2:1-20

Sessions 6–9: Follow the StarBible Story: Matthew 2:1-12

Sessions 10–13: Jesus Is BaptizedBible Story: Luke 3:21-22

Spring 2020Sessions 1–5: Jesus and the ChildrenBible Story: Matthew 19:13-15

Sessions 6–9: People Welcome Jesus & Jesus Lives!Bible Story: Mark 11:1-10; John 20:1, 11-18

Sessions 10–14:PentecostBible Story: Acts 2:1-41

Summer 2020Sessions 1–4: Believers ShareBible Story: Acts 4:32-37

Sessions 5–8:The Lord’s PrayerBible Story: Matthew 6:9-15

Sessions 9–13: The Forgiving FatherBible Story: Luke 15:11-32

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800-672-1789 | Cokesbury.comCall a Resource Consultant

Honor the spiritual life of children—their natural sense of awe, wonder, imagination, and curiosity—and help shape their growing faith with Celebrate Wonder.

With this new quarterly curriculum, leaders will guide children through engaging experiences, spiritual practices, and opportunities for reflection, giving them a safe space to ask big questions and helping them claim their spiritual identity as children of God.

Kids will connect with their Creator and invite God’s presence into their daily lives as they learn to express their faith through everyday interactions with the world around them, by how they treat others and care for all of God’s creation.

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Vol. 5 • No. 4 • SUMMER 2020

EDITORIAL / DESIGN TEAM

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DEEP BLUE NURSERY: LEADER GUIDE: An official resource for The United Methodist Church approved by Discipleship Ministries and published quarterly by Abingdon Press, a division of The United Methodist Publishing House, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37228-1306. Price $12.49. Copyright © 2020 Abingdon Press. All rights reserved. Send address changes to DEEP BLUE NURSERY: LEADER GUIDE, Subscription Services, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37228-1306 or call 800-672-1789. Printed in the United States of America.

To order copies of this publication, call toll free: 800-672-1789. You may fax your order to --. Telecommunication Device for the Deaf/Telex Telephone: --. Or order online at cokesbury.com. Use your Cokesbury account, American Express, Visa, Discover, or Mastercard.

For information concerning permission to reproduce any material in this publication, write to Rights and Permissions, The United Methodist Publishing House, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37228-1306. You may fax your request to 615-749-6128. Or email [email protected].

Scripture quotations are taken from the Common English Bible, copyright 2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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5

God’s Good Creation – Genesis 1:1–2:24

GreetingBefore Class: Create a Welcome Center in your nursery space. Include books and soft toys for the children to explore. If possible, include books and soft toys related to the Bible story unit.

• Play music from the Dearly Loved Bible Story Unit: Creation as the children arrive.

• Make sure that you have at least one leader sitting with the children in the Welcome Center, and at least one leader greeting and helping children and their families as they arrive.

Transition to Bible Story Exploration • Invite the children to sit with you on the floor.

• Sing together “God is So Good” (Leader Guide—p. 2)

Listen and MoveBefore Class: Print and display the Bible Story Poster for Dearly Loved Bible Story

Unit: Creation.

• Show the children the Bible Story Poster. Read the words on the poster and point out the images.

• As the children show interest, talk about the colors of the images on the poster.

• Read the Bible story below and help the children do the movements with you.

SAY: God planned a beautiful world (Make a circle with arms overhead.)


a glowing sun, a shining moon, (Make a circle with arms overhead.)

with light for all to share. (Open up arms. Sweep hands down to your sides.)

1



Dearly SESSION

6



the water with fish and the land with plants, (Place palms together. Wiggle hands, as if swimming.)

with fruit for all to share. (Pretend to eat an apple.)



animals of all shapes and sizes, (Hold hands in front of your body like paws.)

birds that fly in the air. (Flap arms.)


and wants us to give it care— (Place hands over heart.)

for God created each person (Point to each child and then to yourself.)

and gave us the world for all to share. (Turn palms upward.)

Play and CreateExploring Color (Math and Science)Before Class: Gather several toys in each of the following colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, and place them in a basket.

TIP: Small children like to explore with all five senses, including taste. Pay special attention to size and shape of the materials you are using, to ensure they are not choking hazards.

• Mix together the collection of toys into one large group. Lay out construction paper, one each of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.

• Invite the children to help you sort each toy onto the paper it matches.

SAY: God made the world! Our world has many beautiful colors! What color is your favorite?

God Made a Colorful World (Art)Before Class: Make a copy of “World Reproducible” (Leader Guide—p. 9) onto white cardstock for each Gfor each child. Fill two spray bottles with water, adding a



1 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2019 Abingdon Press.

DEARLY LOVED: Partnering with ParentsUnit: God’s Good Creation • Session 1

Your Dearly Loved 3-month-old is growing by leaps and bounds.He or she is now beginning to sleep for longer stretches of time. You may find yourself with more time to accomplish tasks, and hopefully you are allowing yourself time to rest.

Your baby is growing stronger every day! 3-month-old babies are starting to hold up their heads with almost no wobble. Their upper and lower body muscles are getting stronger, and tummy time is beginning to be a bit more fun. Try lying down on your stomach next to your baby. Place toys or rattles on the floor and move them around as you talk to him or her. Three-month-old babies are learning how begin tracking objects with their eyes. Soon your baby’s neck will be strong enough to track objects by turning their head.

You will likely start having more and more conversations with your baby as he or she grows in their ability to express themselves. Your baby is learning to interact with you and with the world in smiles, gestures, and sounds. These conversation times are fully of growth and learning for your baby, and can be a ton of fun!

Experiencing Faith Together Psalm 139:14a (NIV) I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

God Made YouAfter a bath, give your baby a massage with baby lotion. As you massage your baby, name each body part. Remind him or her that God made them and God loves them. For example, massage your child’s legs one at a time and say, “These are your legs that God made. God loves you, and I do too.” Then massage your child’s belly and say, “This is your belly that God made. God loves you, and I do too.”

Rock-a-ByeHold your baby in your arms, and rock them back and forth. Experiment with rocking in various positions. Rocking, and other rhythmic movements through space helps develop your baby’s vestibular system which is responsible for balance. In addition to the amazing developmental benefits, rocking helps give your baby a connection and closeness with you. Rocking helps to develop your baby’s trust in you, in themselves, in the world around them, and in turn their trust in God.

My Whole Body Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,Knees and toes.Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,Knees and toes.My whole body can praise the Lord!Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,Knees and toes.

Eyes, ears, mouth, and nose,Mouth and nose.Eyes, ears, mouth, and nose,Mouth and nose.My whole body can praise the Lord!Eyes, ears, mouth, and nose,Mouth and nose.

Your Dearly

3-Month-Old

Dearly

Infant and Toddler Ministry

God made

God’s Good Creation Genesis 1:1–2:24

plants and animals.

you and me!

God’s creation isvery good!

God made

Dearly Loved:Infant and Toddler Ministry

Partnering with ParentsPartnering with Parents letters make it easy to reach the families of the infants and toddlers in your ministry with messages of faith and support that feel customized just for them. Letters are provided in PDF format that can be easily emailed or printed and mailed. This yearly resource is only $24.99!

You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I fi nd happiness. (Mark 1:11) Faith communities love to welcome new babies! We want babies and toddlers—and their families—to know they are safe, secure, and loved at church.

Interior Sample

PosterParent Letter

New for Infants

and Toddlers!

Bible Story UnitsInvite infants and toddlers to hear and explore a Bible story through listening, moving, playing, and creating. Each of the 12 Bible Story Unit downloads contains fi ve Leader Guide sessions, a printable poster with beautiful photographs, and 2-3 songs to share in the classroom and with parents.

www.abingdonpress.com

Nursery

L E ADER GU I DEAGES6 WEEKS–35 MONTHS

SUMMER 2020

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