About this resource

Recess: a 5-Week Teaching Series for Children's Ministry TOPIC: Judges, Ruth, & Samuel SCRIPTURE: the Old Testament DECORATING THEME: Playground Games AGE GROUP: Preschool (Get the Elementary version here !) For a lot of us, recess is one of our favorite parts of the school day. We get to play dodgeball, hopscotch, or race our friends around the play area. Recess helps us to stay active so we can grow strong, but it also gives us a chance to grow in our relationships. In this five-week series, kids will discover through the stories in the books of Judges, Ruth, and 1 Samuel the unexpected ways God can help them grow. As they do, they'll learn how God helps us grow stronger, helps us belong, answers our prayers, tells us what is true, and can use anything we give. BIG IDEAS & BIBLE STORIES God helps me grow stronger. (Gideon: Judges 6-7) God helps me belong. (Ruth and Naomi: Ruth 1) God answers my prayers. (The Birth of Samuel: 1 Samuel 1) God tells me what is true. (God Calls Samuel: 1 Samuel 3:1-20) God can use anything I give. (Samuel Anoints Saul: 1 Samuel 9-10:1) WEEKLY CURRICULUM SUMMARIES: This week, kids will hear about Gideon and his trust in God. Have you ever played a game you weren't sure you could win? Maybe the other team was bigger or faster. Gideon felt the same way when God asked him to lead an army with just a few soldiers. God showed Gideon that strength comes from trusting in Him, not size or numbers. When something feels too hard or big, remember that God helps me grow stronger. This week, kids will hear about Ruth and Naomi and the way they supported each other. Recess is better when you know you have a spot in the game and people who want you there. Ruth and Naomi lost their homes and families, but they stuck together through everything. God brought them to a new place with people who became like family. When you wonder where you fit, remember that God helps me belong. This week, kids will hear about God answering Hannah's prayers through the birth of Samuel. It's hard to wait for something you really want, like a turn on the swings or the start of summer break. Hannah waited and prayed for a long time before God gave her the son she hoped for. She trusted God through all the waiting. When God answered, her joy overflowed. When the waiting feels endless, remember that God answers my prayers. This week, kids will hear how God called Samuel to be a prophet and messenger. When you're learning a new game, it can be hard to keep track of the right rules. Samuel was young when God called his name in the night and gave him an important message to share. God helped Samuel understand what was true so he could lead others well. When you're unsure what's real or right, remember that God tells me what is true. This week, kids will hear how Samuel anointed Saul to become king. Sometimes the smallest thing, like a piece of chalk or a jump rope, can turn an ordinary recess into something amazing. Samuel used a small jar of oil to show Saul that God had chosen him to be king. God can take even the simplest things we offer and turn them into something big. Whatever you have, remember that God can use anything I give. MEMORY VERSE: "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! - 1 John 3:1a (NIV)

What’s included