WAYS TO BEGIN: If this is your first Sunday back from a summer break, begin by introducing yourself (if the children don't already know you) and planning some exercise so that the children may get to know each other better. Even if everyone knows everyone else it is fun to have each person share something they did during the summer or tell about their favorite toy or vacation or pet. This can best be done with everyone sitting in a circle sharing briefly. Then explain to the class that each Sunday we will be hearing a new story from the Bible...mostly stories about Jesus. These stories are the same ones that are read in Church and that adults are hearing and talking about. They will also be doing an art project or exercise most Sundays.
THE THEME: The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin...seek, find and rejoice!
THE STORY: Luke 15: 1-10. Read or tell the story.
SOME QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT:
1. Have you ever lost something that you really loved? How did you feel? How did you feel when you found it?
2. Have you ever been lost from your parents? What did you think about? How did you feel? How do you think your parents felt?
3. Jesus says God loves us so much that He will look for us and find us too, just like a shepherd or someone who has lost a coin. What do you imagine it is like to be found by God?
AN EXERCISE TO DO: Before class cut out a number of paper sheep (or use white cotton balls) and hide them around the room. Also hide pennies. Have the children find one of each, or if you have hidden more, to find all the hidden "sheep" and coins. Then have a small party with cookies and juice to celebrate.
End with a simple prayer thanking God for His great love for us. Tell everyone how much you look forward to seeing them next Sunday.
