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Staycation: a 5-Week Teaching Series for Children's Ministry TOPIC: Abraham & His Family SCRIPTURE: Genesis DECORATING THEME: Vacation at home AGE GROUP: Elementary (Get the Preschool version here !) Grab some blankets and flashlights! We're going to build a fort or jump on the couch because the floor is lava! That's right - it's time for a family staycation! In this five-week series about Abraham and his family (and our families, too!), kids will learn that God blesses us so we can bless others and God always shows us compassion . That's why we can trust God (even when it's hard to trust each othe r), always belong in God's family , and c an make peace with others - especially the people who live with us! WEEKLY CURRICULUM SUMMARIES: This week, kids hear about God's call of Abram, and the adventure he set out on. Every great staycation starts with a plan-like camping out in the backyard or organizing a kitchen dance party . This week, Abram is on a real-life adventure with God, not knowing where he's going, but trusting that God's blessings will go with him and through him. Whether we're going far away or staying right where we are, God blesses us so we can bless others. This week, kids hear about what God told Abraham to do with his son, Isaac. Even during experiences where we are with our family, tough moments happen. Plans can change or someone can get upset. This week, Abraham faces a confusing and scary moment with Isaac, but God steps in with compassion and provides what they need. When things don't make sense, we can still trust that God always shows us compassion. This week, kids hear about the relationship between brothers, Jacob and Esau. Winning a board game, building the best cushion forts, getting the best for movie night-sometimes even on a staycation family life feels like a competition, and trusting each other can be tough. This week, Jacob tricks Esau and breaks that trust, but even in the mess, God stays faithful. In families and friendships, we can trust God when it's hard to trust each other. This week, kids hear about the dream Jacob had and the message he received. Sometimes during a staycation, it feels like no one wants to do what you want to do-or like you're on your own. This week, Jacob is far from home and feeling unsure, but God meets him in a dream to remind him he's never alone. No matter how left out we feel, we always belong in God's family. This week, kids hear about Jacob and Esau being reunited after their falling out. Sharing a couch, a bedroom, or even the last slice of pizza can lead to family fights-but those moments don't have to last forever. This week, Jacob and Esau reunite after a long fight, and instead of staying angry, they choose to forgive and make peace. With God's help, even hard moments can end with healing because we can make peace with others. BIG IDEAS & BIBLE STORIES God blesses us so we can bless others. (The Call of Abram: Genesis 12:1-5, 13:1-18; Psalm 89:1-4) God always shows us compassion. (Abraham and Isaac: Genesis 21:1-7, 22:1-14; Psalm 145:8-14) We can trust God when it's hard to trust each other. (Jacob and Esau: Genesis 25:19-34; Romans 8:1-11) We always belong in God's family. (Jacob's Dream: Genesis 28:10-19a; Psalm 139:1-12) We can make peace with others. (Jacob and Esau Meet Again: Genesis 32:6-21, 33:1-11; Romans 8:26-39) MEMORY VERSE: "Let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." - Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

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