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Rise & Shine: a 5-Week Teaching Series for Children's Ministry TOPIC: Easter SCRIPTURE: New Testament DECORATING THEME: Morning on the farm AGE GROUP: Elementary (Get the Preschool version here !) (Get the Students version here !) On a farm, life has a daily rhythm (for plants, animals, and people, too). "Life" is what this series is all about, because we're talking about Easter and Jesus' triumph over death! In this five-week series, kids will explore the stories leading up to and following Easter Sunday. Together, they'll discover we can stick with Jesus even when our days are dark , and that because Jesus is alive, we can spend our days meeting with him, trusting he's there for us, and sharing his love - not just today, but every day! BIG IDEAS & BIBLE STORIES I can stick with Jesus when my day is dark. (Peter Denies Jesus: Matthew 26:31-35; 57-75; Philippians 2:5-11) Jesus is alive today and every day! (Jesus Died and Rose Again: Matthew 27:45-28:10; Psalm 118:21-24) I can meet with Jesus every day. (Jesus Appears to His Disciples: John 20:19-31; 1 Peter 1:3-9) Jesus is there for me every day. (The Road to Emmaus: Luke 24:13-35; Psalm 23) I can share God's love every day. (Jesus Restores Peter: John 21:1-17; John 10:1-10) WEEKLY CURRICULUM SUMMARIES: This week, kids hear about the time Peter denied knowing Jesus. On the farm, not every day is sunny-some days are muddy, messy, or full of mistakes. This week, Peter has a dark moment when he says he doesn't even know Jesus, but Jesus doesn't give up on him. Even on our hardest days, I can stick with Jesus when my day is dark. This week, kids hear about Jesus' death and resurrection. Seeds have to be buried before new life can grow-and that's exactly what Easter is about. This week, Jesus dies and is buried, but on the third day, something amazing happens: he comes back to life! Because the tomb is empty, Jesus is alive today and every day! This week, kids hear about the time Jesus appeared to the disciples after coming back to life. Sometimes the best surprises come when you least expect them-like a sprouting seed or the first egg in the nest. This week, Jesus shows up to the disciples when they're afraid and hiding, reminding them he's never too far away. Whether we're feeling nervous or calm, busy or quiet, I can meet with Jesus every day. This week, kids hear about Jesus joining some friends on the road to Emmaus. Some days start off heavy-like when you wake up feeling sad or unsure about what's ahead. This week, two friends are walking and feeling down when Jesus shows up and helps their hearts come alive again. No matter how the day begins, we can rise, shine, and remember Jesus is there for me every day. This week, kids hear about the time Jesus restored Peter. Sharing chores or feeding animals on a farm shows care, and Jesus gives us the same kind of job-to take care of others. This week, Jesus gently restores Peter and reminds him what love looks like in action. When we follow Jesus, I can share God's love every day. MEMORY VERSE: "He is not here; he has risen!" - Luke 24:6a (NIV)

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