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Throwback: a 4-Week Teaching Series for Children's Ministry TOPIC: Jesus' Teachings SCRIPTURE: the Gospels DECORATING THEME: Retro Trends AGE GROUP: Elementary (Get the Preschool version here !) From retro toys to fashion trends, we all love a good throwback. (Especially for grown-ups because it reminds us of being young again.) There are things that remind us of a moment in time, but other things feel timeless and like they're always in style. In this four-week series, kids will travel through the decades and see that the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels are always trending. As we hear from Jesus, we'll see it's always good to be humble, we can always forgive, Jesus is always fair, and love always needs action. BIG IDEAS & BIBLE STORIES It's always good to be humble. (The Speck and the Plank: Matthew 7:1-5; John 20:19-31) We can always forgive. (The Unforgiving Servant: Matthew 18:23-35; 1 John 3:1-7) Jesus is always fair. (The Workers in the Vineyard: Matthew 20:1-16; John 10:11-18) Love always needs action. (The Rich Man and Lazarus: Luke 16:19-31; 1 John 4:7-21) WEEKLY CURRICULUM SUMMARIES: This week, kids hear Jesus teach about the speck and the plank. Some trends-like fanny packs and rollerblades-keep making a comeback, but one thing that never goes out of style is humility. This week, Jesus tells us not to worry about someone else's mistakes when we haven't looked at our own. Staying humble helps us treat others with kindness and makes us better friends, so it's always good to be humble. This week, kids hear Jesus share a parable about the unforgiving servant. Trends come and go, but forgiveness never goes out of style. This week, Jesus tells a story about a man who was forgiven a huge debt-but then refused to forgive someone else. Forgiveness isn't always easy but it is always a part of God's plan, so we can always forgive. This week, kids hear Jesus tell a story about the workers in the vineyard. Ever feel like someone else got picked first even though you were waiting longer? That's how some workers felt in Jesus' story from Matthew 20:1-16. But Jesus shows us that God's version of fairness isn't about who goes first or last-it's about love, generosity, and grace. No matter what, Jesus is always fair. This week, kids hear Jesus share a story about a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. Helping a friend with their backpack or inviting someone to sit with you at lunch might seem small, but it's how love comes to life. This week, Jesus tells a story about a rich man who ignored someone who needed help-and missed the chance to do what mattered most. Jesus reminds us that real love shows up, because l ove always needs action. MEMORY VERSE: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." - Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

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