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Big Picture: a 5-Week Teaching Series for Children's Ministry TOPIC: Jesus' Teachings SCRIPTURE: the Gospels DECORATING THEME: Movies AGE GROUP: Preschool (Get the Elementary version here !) Every great movie tells a great story. When we see those stories played out on the big screen, we can learn a little more about ourselves and the world around us. Jesus knew how powerful stories could be, and he made them a big part of how he taught his followers. In this 5-week series, kids will hear some of the stories Jesus shared that can help them see the big picture of a life spent following God. Kids will see that God helps us know what's true, the ways we can give back to God, how God sends us helpers, that God gives us second chances, and how we belong in God's family. BIG IDEAS & BIBLE STORIES God helps us know what's true. (The Parable of the Sower: Matthew 13:1-23) We can give back to God. (The Parable of the Bags of Gold: Matthew 25:14-29) God sends us helpers. (The Parable of the Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37) God gives us second chances. (The Parable of the Fig Tree: Luke 13:6-9) We belong in God's family. (The Parable of the Lost Son: Luke 15:11-32) WEEKLY CURRICULUM SUMMARIES: This week, kids hear Jesus tell a story about seeds that land on different soils. Movies aren't just fun stories that entertain us, they also can teach us a little more about ourselves and how we relate to the world around us. This week, we'll hear Jesus tell a story about seeds that fall on different soils. Jesus helped his followers understand the truth about how to grow closer to God because God helps us know what's true. This week, kids hear Jesus share a story about workers who were entrusted with different amounts of gold. Every person on a film crew is given a different job to do, and they all work together to make the best movie ever. This week, kids will hear Jesus share a story about some workers who were trusted with different amounts of gold. God gives everyone different gifts, and we can give back to God by making the most of our gifts! This week, kids hear Jesus tell a story about a Samaritan who helps a wounded man when no one else did. There are lots of movies about brave and daring rescues, but what might it look like to become an everyday hero? This week, we'll hear Jesus tell a story about a Samaritan who helped a wounded man when no one else did. God invites us to help people who are in need, and when we need help ourselves, God sends us helpers. This week, kids hear Jesus share a story about giving a fig tree another chance to produce fruit. Few actors can complete a scene in the first take, so the director gives them plenty of chances to get it just right. This week, we'll hear Jesus share a story about giving a fig tree another chance to produce fruit. We don't need to worry when our actions feel like they should be on a blooper reel because God gives us second chances. This week, kids hear Jesus tell a story about a father's love for his lost son. Movie premieres are often exclusive, invite-only events, which means a lot of different people end up left out. This week, we'll hear Jesus tell a story about what a father's love for his lost son can show us about who God is. Jesus told this story to help all of us see that God is making space for people just like us- we belong in God's family. MEMORY VERSE: "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." - Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

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