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Glow In The Dark: a 5-Week Teaching Series for Children's Ministry TOPIC: Easter SCRIPTURE: the Gospels DECORATING THEME: Neon AGE GROUP: Preschool (Get the Elementary version here !) In the dark, a world of neon colors comes to life. Whether it's the soft green of glow-in-the-dark stars or the bright colors of bioluminescent creatures, light can break through the darkness. When the world needed some light, God sent Jesus because he glows in the dark, and he can teach us how to shine with God's light, too! In this five-week series through the Gospels, we'll follow Jesus' life leading up to Easter to see some of the ways he can shine bright in our lives. As we explore, we'll see Jesus is the light in the darkness . We'll also learn how we can choose Jesus and know God hears our cries while celebrating how Jesus died and rose again! BIG IDEAS & BIBLE STORIES We can shine God's light. (Jesus Clears the Temple Courts: John 2:13-22) Jesus is the light in the darkness. (The Last Supper: Mark 14:12-26) We can choose Jesus. (Jesus Before Pilate: Mark 15:1-15) God hears our cries. (Jesus Dies on the Cross: Luke 23:32-49) Jesus died and rose again! (Jesus is Alive!: John 20:1-18) WEEKLY CURRICULUM SUMMARIES: This week, kids see Jesus shine when he clears the temple courts. In the dark, glow sticks and neon lights help us see what we might miss-and that's what Jesus did in the temple. This week, Jesus cleared out the temple courts, showing people what truly mattered to God. When we live in a way that points others to God's truth and love, we can shine God's light. This week, kids see God's light through the story of the last supper. Flashlights are great during a power outage or a nighttime stroll. That little bit of light helps you feel calm and find your way. This week, Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples and gives them comfort and direction, even though hard times are coming. Just like that flashlight, Jesus is the light in the darkness. This week, kids see what happened when Jesus was brought before the Roman Governor, Pilate. When everything around you feels dark, it's not always easy to see what's right-but that's when the light matters most. This week, Jesus stands before Pilate while people choose to set someone else free instead of him. Even in that dark moment, Jesus stays true to who he is. When we want to follow the light instead of the crowd, we can choose Jesus. This week, kids see how Jesus treated two criminals with love even as he died on the cross. Being in the dark can feel scary-especially when things hurt or don't make sense. This week, Jesus is on the cross, surrounded by pain and sadness, but even then, he shows love and forgiveness to the people around him. In our toughest, most confusing moments, God is not far away. We can cry out and trust that God hears our cries. This week, kids see how God's light overcame the darkness because Jesus is alive! Have you ever seen something glow so brightly it lights up everything around it? That's what happened when Jesus rose from the dead! This week, we celebrate that Jesus didn't stay in the tomb-he's alive, and his light will never go out. The good news shines forever: Jesus died and rose again! MEMORY VERSE: "The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?" - Psalm 27:1a (NIV)

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